Coppe and Cedae: A Strategic Partnership for Water Security in Rio de Janeiro

Water security is one of the pillars of public health, sustainable development, and quality of life. In Rio de Janeiro, this challenge boosts a partnership between Coppe/UFRJ and the Rio de Janeiro State Water and Sewer Company (Cedae), which combines the university’s academic excellence with the expertise of the state-owned company responsible for producing the treated water that supplies more than 13 million people in 48 municipalities across Rio de Janeiro state.

The collaboration between the two institutions brings together scientific research and operational expertise to develop solutions aimed at preserving water sources, improving water quality, and strengthening water security in the state.

In 2025, this collaboration gained new momentum with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which establishes a structured agenda for research, outreach, and innovation focused on water resource management and improving water quality.

Under the agreement, projects related to water resources management will be carried out by Coppe’s Civil Engineering Program, while initiatives aimed at improving water quality will be handled by the Chemical Engineering Program. Research areas include the development of advanced oxidative processes for the removal of pollutants from river water and the creation of techniques for the detection and quantification of emerging compounds present in rivers.

These projects bridge the gap between academic research and the needs of society, contributing to the improvement of water treatment systems, the preservation of water sources, and the strengthening of water security.

The partnership also extends to talent development and the promotion of science. In 2025, Cedae was the Gold Sponsor of Integra—Coppe’s Academic and Cultural Week—reinforcing its commitment to innovation, education, and scientific development. A highlight of the Week was the first edition of the Coppe Explains: Science and Technology Within Everyone’s Reach contest, which recognized undergraduate research students, master’s and doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers for their ability to communicate the impact of their research to the public. The Week also featured the presentation of the Academic Merit Award, lectures, cultural and sports activities, and initiatives to foster integration within the academic community.

The importance of Cedae to Rio de Janeiro

Over the course of nearly five decades, Cedae has played a decisive role in expanding sanitation services in the state. Following the concession auctions held in 2021, the company has focused its operations on the production of treated water and the operation of the major water supply systems in the Metropolitan Region, establishing itself as one of the key players ensuring water security in Rio de Janeiro state.

This new configuration was accompanied by infrastructure investments, such as construction work on the Acari System in the Baixada Fluminense region, the implementation of the Novo Guandu project in Nova Iguaçu, and the modernization of water treatment plants (ETAs), quality control laboratories, and environmental monitoring systems for the water sources used for water intake.

By continuously investing in innovation, modernization, and sustainability, Cedae strengthens the state’s water infrastructure and expands its capacity to address challenges such as urban growth, climate change, and the preservation of natural resources.

The partnership between Coppe and Cedae demonstrates the potential of cooperation to accelerate the development of new technologies, transform scientific knowledge into solutions that serve the public interest, and train professionals prepared to tackle the challenges of sanitation and water resource management. This alliance contributes to the population’s quality of life, the protection of water sources, and the sustainable development of Rio de Janeiro.