Copasa suspects sabotage in pipeline ruptures

Copasa informed the Public Prosecutor's Office of Minas Gerais that it is investigating possible sabotage behind four recent water pipeline ruptures. The incidents occurred between August and September across the Greater Belo Horizonte metropolitan area.

Company President Marília Carvalho de Melo presented the hypothesis on Monday, 14 September, during a meeting with prosecutors. According to the authorities, the suspicion stems from preliminary internal assessments carried out by the sanitation utility.

The utility also reported damage to the Pampulha Lake anti-odor system during the same period. Copasa sought prosecutorial support to coordinate technical teams and public security agencies to determine whether the failures were operational or caused by external interference.

Copasa did not disclose what specific evidence pointed to sabotage. The Public Prosecutor's Office stated that it may open a formal criminal investigation if it uncovers irregularities.