The Peruvian government took an important step towards universal access to drinking water by promulgating the regulations of Legislative Decree 1280, which establishes the Law on the Universal Service of Drinking Water and Sanitation . The regulation was made official by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation (MVCS) and published in the official newspaper El Peruano. Its objective is to guarantee that, within a maximum period of four years, all Peruvians have access to quality water and adequate sanitation services.
What does the regulation on universal access to drinking water consist of?
The regulation establishes a regulatory framework covering both urban and rural areas, promoting efficient and sustainable management of services. It also defines rights and obligations for users and service providers , seeking to ensure quality, equity and continuity in the provision of drinking water.
One of the main focuses of this law is to regulate the efficient management of service providers, promoting both public and private investments to improve the water and sanitation infrastructure in the country. This includes the construction, modernization and maintenance of distribution networks, treatment plants and sewage systems.
Coordinated work for the implementation of the regulation
To ensure effective compliance with this regulation, close coordination has been called for between various actors, such as local and regional governments, the Ministry of Housing , service providers, users, the National Superintendence of Sanitation Services (SUNASS) and the Technical Body for the Administration of Sanitation Services (OTASS). Collaboration between these entities will be key to guaranteeing equitable and sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation services throughout the country.
The Government hopes that this law will significantly contribute to improving the quality of water consumed by Peruvians, especially in the most vulnerable areas where access to these services has historically been limited. In addition, it seeks to promote environmental sustainability through better management of water resources and the reduction of pollution.
Sources (Spanish): La Republica / Gestion / Andina (also picture)
Decreto Supremo Nº 009-2024-VIVIENDA (PDF Spanish) in El Peruano
