Dignity in Delivery: The Social and Economic Impact of WASH Services in the Brazilian Amazon

This workshop project, conducted in partnership with Aegea Saneamento, a leading private sanitation company in Brazil, evaluated the socio-economic impacts of improved water and sanitation services in the Brazilian Amazon cities of Manaus and Barcarena. The assessment focused on how improved service delivery has influenced outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly those living in informal settlements and flood-prone areas. Findings point to substantial gains in public health, quality of life, and economic productivity in Manaus, while also revealing ongoing challenges in Barcarena related to infrastructure construction and community perception. Despite these challenges, Barcarena represents a rare case of a municipality moving from minimal to near-universal access to water and sanitation within a short timeframe, positioning it as a potential pilot model for regional expansion. The project further explored gender dynamics and social inclusion, underscoring the importance of more participatory and community-centered planning processes. Key deliverables include a tailored socio-economic impact assessment toolkit, revised household survey instruments, and a WhatsApp-based community feedback tool. This initiative supports Aegea’s sustainability commitments and offers actionable recommendations to advance equitable service delivery in alignment with Brazil’s national sanitation objectives.