Sabesp technical standards become decisive criteria for sanitation purchases

The Brazilian sanitation sector is prioritizing technical certifications over low purchase prices to meet national goals of providing water and sewage services to the majority of the population by 2033.

The Brazilian government established a legal framework requiring the country to provide potable water to 99% of the population and sewage collection and treatment to 90% by 2033. To meet these targets, companies must install thousands of kilometers of piping in a short timeframe.

Because early failures in infrastructure turn investments into liabilities, buyers are increasingly using the Normas Técnicas Sabesp (NTS) as a primary filter for selecting materials. These standards, established by the São Paulo water utility Sabesp, dictate requirements for dimensions, performance, and testing for pipes and connectors. Because Sabesp is a technical reference in the industry, other concessionaires, construction companies, and public managers often replicate its standards in their own procurement processes.

This shift focuses on the total cost of ownership rather than the initial purchase price. For example, high-density polyethylene (PEAD) pipes are becoming popular because they offer chemical resistance and durability, but these benefits only materialize if the products meet specific certifications like NTS 0048, NTS 0194, or NTS 0187. Manufacturers like Asperbras, based in Penápolis, São Paulo, are adapting to this demand by integrating these certifications into their production lines.

Asperbras recently invested R$ 50 million to expand its production capacity to support the sanitation expansion. Industry experts expect technical performance and the ability to prove durability will become as important as price as investment cycles accelerate across different Brazilian states.