The “new” legal framework and the universalization of basic sanitation in rural areas

Basic sanitation is a fundamental cornerstone of both development and ensuring numerous related fundamental rights. However, the widespread deficiencies in current sanitation services result in the denial of these rights for countless individuals. Analyzing the new institutional framework established by Law No. 14.026/2020, we have questioned its ability to promote the effective universalization of basic sanitation in rural areas, within the legally established timeframe. We undertook a descriptive, explanatory study, with a predominantly qualitative approach, based on the specialized literature and official documents, whose data was interpreted using the content analysis technique. Given the different ruralities that exist and the characteristics of the deficit in basic sanitation services in rural areas, we have concluded that the legislative changes to Law 11.445/2007, in the form in which they have been drafted and proposed, on their own, will be unable to achieve the desired universal coverage.