Operational feasibility of charging models for raw water use

Charging for water use has been implemented very slowly in most Brazilian river basins even though it is supported by Law No. 9433/97. Thus the Piancó-Piranhas-Açu river basin does not yet charge so this study proposes to analyse which model(s) of charging for the use of existing raw water can be adopted in the region of the upper course of the Piranhas river. Through a survey of the water licences issued in the study region as well as through the website of the Executive Agency for Water Management of the state of Paraíba a diagnosis of the licences issued was prepared identifying those that could be charged. Subsequently the models adopted in the state of Ceará; in the Paraíba do Sul basin; in the Piracicaba Capivari and Jundiaí river basin; in the São Francisco river as well as the one proposed for the state of Paraíba were analysed. These models were implemented satisfactorily so much so that the methodologies are consolidated and accepted to this day.