The São Paulo Basic Sanitation Company, known as Sabesp, has assured residents of Itararé that the quality of their drinking water is safe following reports of coffin and cemetery waste disposal near the local Water Treatment Station (ETA). In a statement released on Thursday, Sabesp explained that they conducted multiple assessments—beyond standard protocol—to monitor the water supply's safety and potability after the incident in January. Despite the concern regarding the proximity of the disposal to the station, Sabesp clarified that no waste was disposed of inside the treatment facility itself.

Local authorities, including the Itararé City Hall, have launched an investigation into the incident, which was reportedly the responsibility of a third-party company. The situation raised alarms among residents and city officials, prompting further scrutiny. City councilor Filipe Martins dos Santos submitted a proposal to establish a Special Inquiry Commission (CEI) aimed at investigating the absence of a proper contract for waste removal concerning the disposal incident of the coffins, highlighting a potential oversight in the management of municipal contracts.

The implications of this situation extend beyond immediate community concerns, potentially impacting public trust in municipal governance and public health safety standards. As the investigation unfolds, residents are looking for assurances that such events do not jeopardize their water quality in the future. If accountability is not established regarding the disposal practices, it could result in broader calls for reform in local waste management and environmental regulations, emphasizing the importance of transparent municipal operations in maintaining public confidence.