Public services regulator, Aresep, has called on local water utilities to improve the quality of rural water and sanitation systems.
A study by Aresep of 80 rural water and systems run by local local water and sewerage associations (Asadas*) found that water meters and proper disinfection systems were lacking, and that pipes needed to be replaced. Most users rely on septic tanks because there are no sewerage and wastewater treatment systems.
Asadas run 1864 rural water supply systems, which serve 1.2 million people. They operate independently under a delegation agreement with the national water and sewerage utility AyA.
Aresep proposed measures to protect intake works and water catchment areas from contamination. A study by the National Water Laboratory, published in August 2010, revealed that 31% of rural water supplies were contaminated.
In August 2010, AyA president Oscar Nuñez announced that US$ 480 million was needed to improve and maintain rural water supply systems.
* Asociaciones Administradoras de Sistemas de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Comunales
Related web sites (in Spanish):
- Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (Arsep) – Water
- Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA) – Rural Water Supply
Source: Alonso Mata B., La Nacion [in Spanish], 31 Aug 2010 ; InsideCostaRica.com, 02 Sep 2010
