The Quality of Public Basic Sanitation Services: An Analysis of the Perceptions and Problems in Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT Basic sanitation has become a tool for social inclusion, however, studies regarding the quality of public basic sanitation services are still incipient. Thereat, this study aimed to identify user perceptions regarding the quality of sanitation services in Rio Grande do Sul State (southern Brazil). A survey was conducted with 1114 users. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. The frequency of perceived problems was grouped according to the four components of basic sanitation. The average perception of the quality of basic sanitation services received was calculated, and the impact of self‐reported problems in each sanitation component on the perception of service quality was identified. Basic sanitation has become a tool for social inclusion; however, studies on the quality of public sanitation services are still in their infancy. The results indicated that users are partially satisfied with the quality of services provided, although there is a need for improvements, particularly in drinking water supply and solid waste management, the latter having the most significant negative impact on the perception of sanitation service quality. Understanding the needs and problems associated with the sanitation policy offered to citizens facilitates improvements to be instituted in the management of each component of the sanitation service.