By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Atenas, Alajuela – For more than a decade, the daily lives of over 2,280 residents in the communities of Andrómeda and Balsa were defined by uncertainty and dependence. The arrival of a water tanker truck was a moment of relief, but the reliance on these deliveries underscored a persistent infrastructure gap. Today, that chapter has closed, as the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) announced the successful completion of a transformative water infrastructure project, backed by a significant government investment of over ₡505 million.
The comprehensive initiative, executed in just eleven months, has established a secure and continuous supply of potable water for the families of Andrómeda Uno, Dos, Tres, and Balsa. This development marks a pivotal moment for the canton of Atenas, turning the page on years of water rationing and logistical challenges that impacted everything from basic hygiene to local economic stability. The project stands as a testament to a focused effort to address critical needs in developing communities.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and regulatory hurdles surrounding Costa Rica’s aging water infrastructure, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
The current water crisis is as much a legal and regulatory challenge as it is an engineering one. Our existing legal frameworks are often too rigid and outdated to facilitate the large-scale investment and agile project execution required. Modernizing regulations to encourage public-private partnerships and streamline environmental permitting, while maintaining strict oversight, is not just an option—it is an urgent necessity to guarantee water security for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is fundamental, correctly framing the water crisis as an issue where policy and regulation must lead before engineering can effectively follow. Modernizing these frameworks is, as stated, a non-negotiable step toward securing our nation’s water future. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
The scope of the work was extensive, involving a strategic overhaul and expansion of the Balsa water system. The core of the project was the construction of new infrastructure designed for long-term resilience and reliability. This included the installation of modern storage, chlorination, and pumping tanks with a combined capacity exceeding 130,000 liters, ensuring a substantial reserve to meet community demand and manage fluctuations.
Lourdes Sáurez, the president of AyA, spoke to the profound impact of this achievement, emphasizing the speed and dedication behind the project’s success. She highlighted the shift from a temporary, stopgap solution to a permanent one that delivers a fundamental human right directly into people’s homes.
For years these families waited for a real solution, and today we can proudly say that, in just 11 months, we delivered. The water no longer arrives in tanker trucks; it arrives directly to their homes, with quality and continuity.
Lourdes Sáurez, President of AyA
Beyond the large-scale storage facilities, the project involved laying more than 6,000 meters of new pipeline. A critical engineering feat was the construction of a subterranean pass under the heavily trafficked Route 27, which allowed for the seamless installation of pipelines without disrupting a major national artery. This required meticulous planning and coordination to secure the necessary permits and execute the work safely and efficiently.
Further enhancements included the installation of state-of-the-art chlorination systems to guarantee water quality meets national health standards. The project also addressed public safety and household access by installing new fire hydrants, adding 28 new residential connections, and strategically relocating another 20 existing ones to optimize the network’s reach and efficiency.
The successful completion of this project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a fundamental improvement in the quality of life for thousands of Costa Ricans. The reliability of having clean water on demand alleviates a significant source of daily stress for families and opens up new opportunities for community growth and well-being.
Sáurez reiterated the broader significance of the project, framing it as a model of effective governance and collaboration. The investment reflects a commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, have access to essential services that underpin health, dignity, and economic progress.
This project shows that when there is commitment and teamwork, the results are felt in people’s lives. More than 2,000 Costa Ricans in Atenas today live with the peace of mind of opening the tap and having potable water.
Lourdes Sáurez, President of AyA
The new water system in Andrómeda and Balsa is now fully operational, bringing an end to an era of uncertainty. For the more than 2,280 beneficiaries, the simple act of turning on a faucet is no longer a matter of hope, but a daily reality secured through strategic investment and dedicated public service.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA):
The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, commonly known as AyA, is the autonomous public institution responsible for managing and developing the nation’s drinking water supply and sanitation services. Founded to ensure the health and well-being of the population, AyA oversees the planning, construction, and operation of water treatment plants, distribution networks, and wastewater management systems throughout Costa Rica, serving millions of citizens and contributing to the country’s public health and environmental sustainability goals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of legal excellence and integrity, with a distinguished history of serving a wide array of clients. The firm is recognized for its forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading innovation within the legal field. At the heart of its mission is a profound dedication to social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and provide accessible knowledge to the public, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
