About the Project

On May 18, 1971, the World Bank approved its first loan (0758) for pollution control. The loan was approved for the Sao Paulo Water Supply and Pollution Control projects to improve the water supply and sewerage services in and around the city of Sao Paulo.

Pollution control had become a necessity in this large metropolitan area. In this regard the World Bank developed a long term program aimed at abating the severe pollution of the rivers around Sao Paulo. The pollution resulted from the discharge of largely untreated domestic and industrial waste into the rivers.

This project was the first comprehensive action taken by the World Bank to restore the ecological balance in rivers.

Purpose of the Project

The purpose of the project was to provide two million people with piped water, improve service in the overloaded sections of the pipe networks, and improve sewage collection and disposal.

The project involved construction of sewage interceptors, pumping plants and the reconstruction of a major sewage treatment works. It was hoped that this would clear the rivers of its biochemical pollutants and contribute to the development of higher forms of aquatic plants and fish.

Outcomes of the Project

By the end of the project, the existing water services of the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo were improved and the number of people served by sewage disposal systems was increased.

Although not all of the project's original objectives were met, it became an important step taken by the World Bank in its effort to abate river pollution around the world.

Evaluating pollution control: the case of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Effective pollution charges : lessons of worldwide experience

Environment matters at the World Bank - annual review 2004

Pollution prevention and abatement handbook 1998 : toward cleaner production

Environment and the World Bank

Previously Featured Documents/Photos

This feature is produced by the World Bank Group Archives to highlight the World Bank's contributions to development.