Water reuse in the new regulatory framework for basic sanitation

In practically all processes, water is used as the main input. The high levels of consumption by users have been causing adverse changes in the environment. For cities, the challenge lies in the collection and treatment of sewage, due to the concentration of people. In 2019 it was found that only 28.01% of sewage is collected in northeastern Brazil, and only 36.24% is treated, thus demonstrating the complexity of basic sanitation in Brazil. Since basic sanitation is a set of measures to preserve the environment, to prevent diseases and improve the quality of life, in 2020 the New Legal Framework for Basic Sanitation was published (Law 14.026/2020). The agenda on the reuse of water is growing, considering the water shortage in the country, and also because users depend on water in specific quantity and quality. There are reports of water reuse since ancient Greece and countries have been investing in reuse ever since. Legislation must not restrictively position itself to prevent reuse, but must act in an adequate manner to ensure the health and well-being of the population. Thus, the new legal framework for sanitation is aimed at reducing losses in water distribution, improving treatments, reusing sanitary effluents and using rainwater. The National Water and Sanitation Agency was responsible for drawing up regulations on reuse. With that, the objective of the research was to analyze the peculiarities presented by the new basic sanitation framework, considering the possible propositions for the reuse of water. The methodology used was based on bibliographical analysis on sanitation, supply and reuse of water, in addition to the analysis of current legislation. It was concluded that water reuse is an alternative to improve sanitation indicators in the country, since most water bodies in Brazil are supplied by rainwater, with the exception of the Amazon River, which receives water from the melting of the Andes mountain range. In addition, the new sanitation framework legitimized reuse, with a view to better use and management of water, since it is the main input for all production processes, in addition to standing out in the energy matrix, with hydroelectric plants.