Although levels of wastewater treatment are still quite low in Latin America compared to developed countries, notable progress has been made over recent years and opportunities abound, according to the January BNamericas infrastructure intelligence series report . Some Latin American countries have managed to reach wastewater treatment levels of over 80%.
Historically a low priority in comparison to water capturing and distribution, wastewater treatment is finally making it onto the agenda of the region’s biggest economies.
Attractive markets for investors include Mexico, Brazil and Peru, where governments are promoting public works programs not only to increase potable water and sanitation coverage, but also to clean up and preserve resources.
At the same time, the effects of climate change are causing drought throughout the region, prompting authorities to worry more about their dwindling resources. The need to reduce pollution levels in rivers, lakes and along the coast has wastewater treatment plans in full swing.
The Peruvian government is actively looking for private sector investment and a plan to raise wastewater treatment from the current 15% to 100% by 2015 is underway. In addition, last year the national standards for water quality were approved, setting new levels for treated wastewater.
Meanwhile, in Mexico authorities have set the goal of treating 60% of wastewater by 2012 and recently awarded a tender to build one of the largest wastewater treatment plants of its kind in the world, Atotonilco.
Brazil, on the other hand, has been making slow progress. Despite government investments of 4.5bn reais (US$2.5bn) a year over the last three years, only 32% of collected sewage is currently treated. Experts agree that the only way to revert this situation is by handing over more concessions to the private sector.
 Stok, G. (2010). Wastewater treatment makes it onto the agenda (Intelligence series). Santiago, Chile Business News Americas. Order details and summary (price US$ 239).
Source: Greta Bourke, BNamericas.com [subscription site], 20 Jan 2010