On Wednesday, the Piauí court reinstated a regulation from the Teresina Public Services Regulation Agency (Arsete), stipulating that sewage fees can only be charged if there are external inspection boxes or cleaning terminals available. This decision reinforces a principle that having a collector's network alone is insufficient for justifying the sewage fee, prioritizing the need for appropriate infrastructure for sewage management.

The external inspection box plays a vital role in connecting a property’s plumbing to the public sewage system, facilitating necessary maintenance while ensuring safe connections. Similarly, the cleaning terminal serves the same purpose and is crucial for periodic maintenance. The ruling by Judge José Wilson Ferreira of the 2nd Public Law Chamber favors the regulation set forth by Arsete, underlining the legal requirements that must be fulfilled before imposing such fees on residents.

Arsete's request for the court to withdraw the preliminary injunction that allowed Águas de Teresina to charge fees without the requisite collection points was granted. The decision is critical as it clarifies the regulatory framework around sewage charges, showing the importance of sufficient infrastructure before levying fees. Meanwhile, Águas de Teresina retains the option to appeal this ruling, which highlights ongoing legal disputes surrounding public service charges in Brazil.