National Directorate for the Regulation of Water and Sanitation in Timor-Leste

The National Directorate for the Regulation of Water and Sanitation (DNRAS) operates under the Directorate General for the Regulation of the Electricity, Water, and Sanitation Sectors within the Ministry of Public Works of Timor-Leste. DNRAS is responsible for regulating the national water supply and sanitation sectors, ensuring compliance with technical standards, environmental norms, and service quality requirements.

Established under Decree-Law No. 48/2012 and further detailed by Ministerial Diploma No. 23/MOP/2013, DNRAS plays a key role in:

Coordinating and enforcing national policies on water and sanitation.

Developing and implementing regulatory frameworks and technical standards.

Monitoring service providers to ensure the quality and reliability of drinking water and sanitation services.

Supporting integrated water resource management by promoting transparency and legal compliance in water sector operations.

DNRAS is structured into specialized units overseeing water services, basic sanitation, and water quality control. It also contributes to national resilience efforts by improving infrastructure oversight, preventing illegal water connections, and facilitating cooperation among relevant stakeholders.