Rio sanitation concessions face first wave of litigation
Private-sector firms managing services encounter setbacks as investments advance
Nearly four years after the first auction of water and sewage concessions in Rio de Janeiro, services are progressing, but the private-sector companies that took over the contracts are now facing a range of challenges. The first wave of regulatory disputes is underway, and companies may soon have to enter arbitration proceedings and possibly court battles to secure the returns they had anticipated, say people familiar with the situation.
Sources from the private sector, who spoke on condition of anonymity, report that after signing the contracts, companies encountered several discrepancies compared to what was outlined in the bidding documents: sewage coverage levels were lower than projected, water distribution networks had higher loss rates, and the number of households eligible for subsidized social tariffs was greater than expected. These factors imply increased investment needs and reduced revenue prospects. The issues vary across contracts but, according to Valor’s findings, they affect all concessions to some degree.
Regarding discussions with the regulatory agency, sources say there has been resistance to acknowledging the complaints or granting economic and financial rebalancing of the contracts—that is, compensations to the concession holders.
Rio de Janeiro’s water and sewage concessions were auctioned on April 30, 2021. Three of the four blocks were awarded: Blocks 1 and 4 went to Aegea, and Block 2 to Iguá. Block 3 initially received no bids, but after a redesign, it was reauctioned in December that same year and awarded to Águas do Brasil.
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Repair and extend the life of your RV's freshwater sanitation system
While the most common toilet type, the freshwater, requires little maintenance, you can prolong the life by taking certain precaution to care for the mechanisms.
The freshwater is permanently mounted, flushing with clean water from the RV's on board tank. The flushing mechanism, either a foot-operated pedal or a standard hand lever, allows a valve in the bottom of the bowl to open and permitting the contents to be flushed into a holding tank. A pressurized water stream cleans the bowl in a swirling motion, flushing the contents into the holding tank. Most models have two levers, each working independently so that the bowl can be filled with water prior to use.
Freshwater toilet bowls can be made of either plastic or porcelain, with simple, dependable components. A vacuum breaker (back-flow restricter) mounted at the rear of the toilet prevents water from backing up into the RV's fresh water system. To prevent odors from the holding tank, make sure all the contents are removed from the bowl before closing the slide ball, or flap valve.
Do not use a sharp object, scouring pad, or other abrasives to clean the seal area and plastic parts since damage may occur. Do not use a highly concentrated or high acidic-content household cleaner. Instead use a nonabrasive cleaner and a soft rag or paper towel.
Troubleshooting:
Thetford Aqua-Magic IV Toilet
Problem: Water keeps running into bowl
Cause: Sticking levers
Correction: Make sure levers return all the way to the left
Cause: Sticking slide valve
Correction: Remove foreign material from blade or seat. Replace if cleaning does not work.
Problem: Toilet leaks on floor
Cause: Leaking water supply line
Correction: Tighten as necessary
Cause: Loose closet-flange nuts
Correction: Tighten as necessary
Cause: Wrong closet-flange height
Correction: Make sure flange height is between 1/4" and 7/16" inch.
Cause: (1) Flush duration too short (2) Bad Water Flow
Correction: (1) Hold levers open for at least 2 to 3 seconds (2) Adjust flow rate to 10 quarts per minute
Thetford Galaxy and Starlite Toilets
Problem: Water keeps running into bowl
Cause: Slide valve is not seated
Correction: Clean all foreign materials in groove where valve blade seats when closed.
Problem: Leaks
Cause: Leaking water supply line
Correction: Tighten as necessary
Cause: Leaking vacuum breaker
Correction: Replace the vacuum breaker. Replace the ball valve in vacuum breaker leaks without flushing.
Cause: Defective bowl-to-mechanism seal
Correction: Replace seal
Cause: Defective closet flange to floor seal
Correction: Tighten flange nutes. Remove the toilet and check the flange height. Adjust to 1/4"-7/16" above the floor. Replace flange seat.
Problem: Harder than normal foot pedal or sticking blade
Cause: Mounting bolts too tight
Correction: Check for overtight conditions and adjust
Cause: Restricted valve blade
Correction: Apply light film of silicone spray to blade. CAUTION: Do not use hydrocarbon-based lubricants; damage to seals and other surfaces can occur.
SeaLand Traveler Toilet
Problem: Water will not stay in bowl
Cause: Loose clamp ring
Correction: Tighten clam-ring adjusting nut
Cause: Improper flush ball seal
Correction: Inspect flush ball and underside of Teflon seal and clean dirt or debris
Cause: Worn or damaged seals
Correction: Replace both seals
Cause: Worn or damaged flush ball
Correction: Replace flush ball
Problem: Plastic flush ball will not close completely
Cause: Overtight clamp ring
Correction: Loosen clamp ring
Cause: Weak or defective spring
Correction: Let up on flush ring suddenly. If level does not snap back, replace the spring, cam, and plate with new spring cartridge.
Cause: Worn or damaged flush ball or shaft
Correction: If lever snaps back, but flush ball will not close completely replace flush ball and shaft.
Problem: Toilet Overflows
Cause: Dirt in water valve seal
Correction: Disassemble and clean water valve
Cause: Bent cam strap; hold water valve oepn
Correction: Bend up front of cam strap by 1/16"
Cause: Worn or defective water valve
Correction: Replace valve assembly
Cause: Worn or defective spring
Correction: Replace spring, cam, and plate with new spring cartridge
Problem: Water does not enter bowl properly
Cause: Low water pressure
Correction: Check and adjust water pressure
Cause: Clogged water valve
Correction: Remove and clean filter screen on inlet of water valve
Cause: Defective water valve
Correction: Replace water valve
Cause: Worn or defective flush lever
Correction: Replace flush lever
