Feb 12 • 12:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Sabesp charges sewage fee above the allowed amount for properties without connection, say residents of SP

Residents in the southern zone of São Paulo claim that Sabesp is charging sewage fees that exceed legal limits for properties not connected to the sewage system.

Residents of Grajaú, a neighborhood in the southern zone of São Paulo, have raised concerns that Sabesp (Basic Sanitation Company of the State of São Paulo) is demanding sewage fees that exceed legally established amounts for properties that are not actually connected to the sewage system. These claims have been specifically reported on Carlos Sgarbi Filho street in Jardim Castro Alves, where affected residents contend that they are being unfairly charged, leading to frustrations and confusion over the billing process.

According to the residents, the billing inconsistencies have resulted in charges that fluctuate with their water consumption bills, contradicting the fixed amounts stipulated by law—R$ 37.96 for residential properties and R$ 76.60 for commercial or industrial entities. With the company having imposed these fees since June 2025, residents believe they are being unfairly targeted despite their properties not being connected to the sewage system, which raises questions about the legality and fairness of the utility's practices.

In response to the allegations, Sabesp stated that they would dispatch a technical team to investigate the claims and review the billing situation for the reported properties. The company assured that once the inspection is concluded, the necessary updates regarding these accounts would be made accordingly. This incident highlights broader issues concerning municipal service charges, transparency, and residents’ rights in the face of utility billing disputes.

📡 Similar Coverage