Trajectory, Challenges, and Opportunities in Sustainable Urban Water Management in Brazil: Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Stormwater Drainage

This chapter aims to present data and reflect on the trajectory and current conditions of urban water management in Brazil, focusing on sustainable stormwater drainage and the possibility of expanding sustainable design, planning, and financing practices, mainly through nature-based solutions (NbS). The authors emphasize the importance of transitioning investments toward the integration of nature-based solutions in urban drainage initiatives comprising the set of urban public policies. The research uses data from important databases in Brazil, such as the Brazilian National System for Water and Sanitation Data (SNIS), the Integrated Planning and Budget System (SIOP), and the National Basic Sanitation Plan (Plansab). The work also presents a conceptual and historical discussion about the types of urban drainage systems and actions in Brazil. Another highlight of the text is the discussion on challenges to change the historical preference of traditional (conventional) solutions in urban stormwater management usually predominant in Brazil and many other countries in the world. The current debate demands changes in favor of preventive and sustainable actions integrated into other urban policies.