Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy, has been awarded two major strategic contracts by Brazilian water and waste management company Sabesp. These contracts will support critical improvements to São Paulo’s water infrastructure, aiming to ensure a secure, resilient water supply for over 28 million residents across 375 municipalities.
The initiatives form part of Brazil’s ambitious Universal Water Supply and Sewerage Program, a government-led plan expected to attract more than R$70 billion in investments. The program focuses on expanding access to clean water and sanitation, especially in underserved communities such as informal settlements and rural areas.
Under the first contract, Arcadis will provide consultancy services to help Sabesp plan and manage its wide-ranging investment efforts. Drawing on global experience in water treatment and asset management, Arcadis will apply its Enterprise Decision Analytics (EDA) platform to enhance decision-making, streamline investment planning, and improve project execution. The EDA system evaluates complex datasets to identify risks, trends, and optimal resource allocations, ultimately boosting efficiency, lowering costs, and promoting long-term benefits for health, sustainability, and social equity.
The initiatives form part of Brazil’s ambitious Universal Water Supply and Sewerage Program, a government-led plan expected to attract more than R$70 billion in investments
The second contract involves the expansion of the Barueri Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), the largest facility of its kind in Brazil. Once completed, the upgrade will significantly increase treatment capacity, directly benefiting around 10 million people. It will also improve the plant’s operational performance, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the long-term resilience of São Paulo’s sanitation system.
Alan Brookes, CEO of Arcadis, said: "At Arcadis, we have a strong track record of delivering large-scale water infrastructure programs where digital innovation and technical expertise drive real impact. Water security and public health are global priorities, and through our long-standing relationships with water companies like Sabesp, we are committed to delivering safe, resilient, and sustainable water solutions. With this latest win, we are bringing together expertise from across our Resilience and Intelligence business areas to help enhance infrastructure, protect communities, and create lasting benefits for millions of people across São Paulo.”
This partnership reinforces Arcadis’ global reputation for delivering effective and future-ready water infrastructure. The project team will include experts in sanitary engineering, water resource management, and infrastructure asset management, leveraging Arcadis’ international experience with major water and wastewater clients around the world.
