Rio’s Beaches Have Never Been This Clean In Several Years. But For How Long?

Rio de Janeiro’s beaches are some of the world’s most beautiful. Yet pollution has degraded the ecosystem for decades, making the water unsafe for swimming. Thanks to meticulous clean-up efforts in the past few years, circumstances have started the change for the better.

In September, water samples analysed by State Environment Institute (INEA) showed all of the capital city’s beaches were temporary safe for swimmers. The news was a relief for locals, who have seen industrial waste and human sewage transform the place into toxic landfills.

Athletes Raised Alarm Over Pollution During Rio 2016

Biologist Alex Turra from the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo, cited two reasons for the transformation. A lack of rainfall has prevented street pollution from draining into the sea, while local sanitation efforts have also help bring a notable change.

When Rio hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, concerns were raised over reports of dead dogs and cats, washing machines and cars being seen floating in Guanabara Bay. The Associated Press initiated a probo, eventually finding high levels of human faeces along the coast.

After years of broken promises, state authorities privatised the water and sewage utility service of the capital city in 2021. Now, Águas do Rio will oversee the service for 35 years in 27 cities within the state. Dr Turra believes Rio will benefit from the company’s consistency.

But Success Can’t Be Won By Private Companies Alone

In the past few years, Águas do Rio has focused on fixing existing water and sewage infrastructure. Alexandre Bianchini, president of the company, show “the measures we have implemented over the past two years are bearing fruit.”

But success can’t be won by private companies alone. Águas do Rio might make smart decisions, but that won’t solve underlying problems such as poverty. In Rio’s overcrowded favelas, there is little access to efficient trash disposals and sewage systems.