Medidas estruturantes a serem consideradas em planose programas de saneamento básico no Brasil: o controle de perdas de água e a racionalização e eficiência energética

The article aims to contextualize water losses in public supply systems, as well as to emphasize the importance of structuring measures to be considered in the preparation and implementation of a Basic Sanitation Plan and Program, including the control of water losses and rationalization measures and energy efficiency as important structuring actions to support the provision of public water supply and sewage services. This is a descriptive work, based on aliterature review, as well as the author's knowledge, experience and critical view on the subject. The absence of a basic sanitation plan and a program with the establishment of structuring measures, including the control of water losses and rationalization and energy efficiency measures, can result in high rates of water loss from public systems, as well as low rationalization and energy efficiency in the area of basic sanitation in the country, generating economic-financial, environmental and social losses for the Government, service providers and users.