A significant crackdown on water theft has taken place in the city of Franca, São Paulo. The state's basic sanitation company, Sabesp, has successfully identified 212 instances of illegal water connections, commonly known as 'gatos,' through a dedicated operation in 2026.
The enforcement effort, dubbed Operation 'Gato Molhado' (Wet Cat), involved a thorough inspection of 745 properties, including both residential homes and commercial establishments. Using advanced ultrasound equipment and data cross-referencing, investigators confirmed the fraudulent connections in 212 of these locations. The vast majority of these violations, 185 cases, were discovered in private residences.
The scale of the problem is substantial. These clandestine connections are typically installed before the water meter or involve mechanisms designed to interfere with accurate consumption measurement. This practice not only constitutes theft but also severely compromises the integrity of the entire municipal water distribution network.
According to Sabesp's regional manager, Gilson Santos de Mendonça, the consequences of such fraud extend far beyond the individual perpetrators. The illegal connections reduce water pressure throughout the system, which is calibrated for a specific network capacity. This pressure drop can lead to supply issues for other residents, particularly those in higher elevation neighborhoods or areas farther from the main lines.
The legal repercussions for those caught are severe. Desviar água, or diverting water, is classified as a crime of theft under Brazilian law. Convicted individuals face a prison sentence ranging from two to eight years, in addition to financial penalties.
To illustrate the broader impact, Sabesp reported that in 2025 alone, it recovered 3.5 million cubic meters of stolen water across the entire state of São Paulo. That volume is equivalent to the amount needed to supply the entire city of Franca for two full months, highlighting the massive scale of the issue.
The city of Franca currently relies on the Canoas and Sapucaí rivers for its water supply. Sabesp emphasizes that protecting this resource is a community-wide concern, as the actions of a few can negatively affect the water security and pressure for all residents.
Based on reporting from g1.