Juiz de Fora has achieved a significant milestone by climbing 12 spots in the 2026 National Sanitation Ranking, making it the only city from Minas Gerais to feature in the top ten for water service quality in Brazil. This ranking places Juiz de Fora at the 58th position overall among the country's 100 most populous municipalities. The results were published by the Instituto Trata Brasil in collaboration with GO Associados, highlighting the city's ongoing progress in delivering water service to its residents.

This marks the second consecutive year that Juiz de Fora has shown improvement in its ranking, having moved from 73rd place in 2024 to 70th in 2025 before its latest ascent. The consistent progression signals a positive trend for the city's water management practices and underscores its commitment to enhancing sanitation standards. The data for the 2026 evaluation was drawn from comprehensive assessments carried out by Trata Brasil since 2009, reflecting the increasing attention to sanitation issues in larger urban centers.

The recognition of Juiz de Fora's efforts in water service is not only significant for local governance but also positions the city as a potential model for other municipalities aiming to improve their sanitation services. As urban areas face growing challenges related to water supply and sanitation, the advancements made by Juiz de Fora could inspire broader initiatives across the state of Minas Gerais and beyond, promoting better public health and quality of life for residents.