No, straight piping—discharging untreated sewage directly into water bodies—violates Brazil’s environmental and sanitation laws, exposing violators to fines under the National Water Resources Policy (Law 9.433/1997) and the National Sanitation Policy (Law 11.445/2007). The 2026 National Sanitation Plan (PNS) mandates 93% sewage collection coverage, with non-compliance triggering penalties from ANA (National Water Agency) or state environmental agencies like CETESB (São Paulo) or INEA (Rio de Janeiro).
Key Regulations for Straight Piping in Brazil
- Federal Law 14.026/2020 (New Sanitation Framework): Requires municipalities to eliminate straight piping by 2033, with interim targets enforced by ANA. Non-compliance risks federal funding cuts.
- CONAMA Resolution 430/2011: Classifies straight piping as a Class 4 pollution source, subject to immediate corrective orders from environmental agencies.
- State-Specific Enforcement: São Paulo’s Decree 63.767/2022 and Rio’s State Law 8.736/2021 impose additional fines (up to R$10M) and mandatory connection to treatment systems within 18 months.
Violations are typically prosecuted under administrative, civil, or criminal law (Penal Code Art. 54), with liability extending to property owners, developers, and municipal authorities failing to enforce compliance.