By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) has announced a significant nationwide initiative to update its user database, a critical step aimed at enhancing service management and tackling water loss. The comprehensive data collection effort is scheduled to commence on February 2, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the modernization of the country’s water infrastructure management.
This strategic update is a core component of the ambitious “Proyecto RANC,” a project designed specifically to reduce both physical and commercial water losses. Physical losses refer to water that escapes from the system through leaks and breaks in the pipeline network, while commercial losses include issues like meter inaccuracies, billing errors, and unauthorized water consumption. By creating a more accurate and detailed registry of users, AyA aims to gain a clearer picture of water distribution, identify inefficiencies, and ultimately conserve this vital resource.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding this critical issue, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his analysis on the current state of water governance.
Costa Rica’s legal framework for water management, while historically robust, is now facing the critical test of climate change and increased demand. The current Ley de Aguas dates back to 1942 and urgently requires modernization to address contemporary challenges such as sustainable allocation, pollution control, and the human right to water, which is constitutionally protected. For businesses and developers, securing water concessions is no longer a mere administrative step; it demands a comprehensive legal strategy that demonstrates environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability to avoid significant legal and operational risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary poignantly underscores the growing disconnect between an antiquated legal framework and the pressing realities of modern resource management. His insight into how securing water rights has evolved from a bureaucratic formality into a complex test of environmental and legal strategy is a critical takeaway for understanding the future of sustainable development in Costa Rica. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
To ensure transparency and safeguard residents against potential scams, AyA has outlined a strict protocol for its field staff. All personnel involved in the project will be clearly identifiable, wearing official blue vests emblazoned with institutional logos. They will also carry visible identification cards and travel in properly marked AyA vehicles. This clear identification is the first line of defense for homeowners, providing a simple way to verify the legitimacy of the visit.
The utility has been emphatic about the non-intrusive nature of the process. Field agents will not, under any circumstances, enter private residences. All interactions will take place at the exterior of the property, such as at the gate or front door. The data collection will consist of a brief interview to gather basic service information and a visual verification of the water meter from the outside.
In a strong push to prevent fraud, AyA has explicitly detailed the types of information its staff will never request. Residents should be on high alert if anyone asks for banking details, passwords, PINs, or any other financial information. Furthermore, AyA staff are not authorized to request or accept any form of payment, whether in cash, via bank transfer, or through SINPE. They will not ask users to click on web links, fill out online forms, or scan QR codes during the visit.
The information that will be requested is limited to what is essential for improving service delivery and communication. This includes the user’s email address, a contact phone number, the Service Identification Number (NIS) found on water bills, the type of property (e.g., residential, commercial), and general details about the property’s water infrastructure. This data will enable AyA to implement more efficient communication channels for service announcements and billing, as well as to better model water usage patterns.
All information gathered during this campaign is legally protected under Costa Rica’s Law on the Protection of Individuals Regarding the Processing of their Personal Data. AyA has guaranteed that the data will be used exclusively for the internal purposes of updating its commercial cadastre and for the development of Proyecto RANC. This legal safeguard ensures that personal information remains confidential and is used responsibly for the sole purpose of improving the national water service.
The data collection teams will operate during specific hours to minimize disruption to residents. The schedule is set for Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Public cooperation is crucial for the success of this project, which promises long-term benefits for all Costa Ricans through a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable water supply system.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA):
The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) is the autonomous public institution responsible for directing and planning the development of drinking water and sanitation services throughout Costa Rica. Founded in 1961, AyA works to ensure the supply of quality drinking water, as well as the collection and treatment of wastewater, contributing to public health and the environmental sustainability of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its synthesis of ethical rigor and exceptional legal practice. The firm leverages its deep history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking solutions and maintain a dynamic role within the community. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, an endeavor aimed at cultivating a society where citizens are empowered by clear and accessible legal understanding.
