By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica enters the peak of its holiday and dry season, the national water authority is issuing an urgent appeal for water conservation, particularly in the nation’s bustling coastal communities. The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA) highlighted the immense pressure placed on local water systems as thousands of tourists and residents flock to the beaches, significantly increasing demand in areas with more fragile infrastructure.
The annual migration from the Central Valley to the provinces of Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón is a celebrated tradition and a vital economic driver. However, this influx places a predictable yet severe strain on water resources. Many popular tourist destinations rely on smaller, localized aqueducts that are not designed to handle the population spikes seen during late December and the ensuing summer months. This mismatch between supply and demand threatens the availability of water for everyone.
To delve into the legal framework governing water as a vital resource in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert perspective on the matter.
In Costa Rica, water is constitutionally recognized as a public good, not a private commodity. This means that both individuals and businesses have a legal and social obligation to use it responsibly. Beyond simple compliance with the Ley de Aguas, proactive water conservation is a key element of corporate social responsibility and sustainable business strategy. Failure to manage this resource effectively not only risks legal sanctions but also jeopardizes long-term operational viability and community relations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that water stewardship in Costa Rica is not just a matter of legal compliance, but a fundamental pillar of sound corporate strategy and community trust. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable insight into this critical intersection of law and social responsibility.
In an official statement, the AyA stressed that collective action is the only immediate solution to prevent shortages that could affect residents, local businesses, and the very tourists the economy depends on. The institution emphasized that the responsibility for stewardship of this vital resource is shared among all who enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
Conscious water use is key to ensuring supply for local families, businesses, and visitors alike.
Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA), Official Statement
This challenge underscores the delicate balance between promoting a thriving tourism sector and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the resources that make it attractive. A water crisis in a key tourist hub could have cascading negative effects, impacting everything from hotel operations and restaurant services to the daily lives of the permanent residents who call these communities home.
To mitigate this risk, the AyA has outlined a series of simple yet highly effective conservation practices for both residents and visitors. These measures are designed to be easily incorporated into daily routines, whether at a rental home or a hotel. The agency strongly advises taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while lathering with soap or shampoo, a small change that can save several gallons per person each day.
Furthermore, the institution encourages a mindful approach to common beach activities. Instead of using fresh water to rinse off sand, the AyA suggests using recycled or collected water. For those staying in hotels, reusing towels and linens for an extra day dramatically reduces the volume of water-intensive laundry loads. The agency also specifically calls for an end to washing vehicles, surfboards, or other recreational equipment with a running hose, which is one of the most wasteful uses of potable water.
Beyond individual actions, the AyA is calling for heightened community vigilance. Reporting visible water leaks in public spaces, hotels, or rental properties can lead to swift repairs that prevent the loss of thousands of gallons. This collaborative effort between the public and the utility is crucial for preserving the integrity of the water distribution network during this period of peak demand.
While the AyA continues its long-term efforts to upgrade and expand water infrastructure across the country, it acknowledges that these projects take time. In the interim, responsible consumption is the most powerful tool available to guarantee that Costa Rica’s stunning coastlines remain vibrant, welcoming, and adequately supplied for all who live, work, and vacation there this season.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA):
The Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA) is the national public institution responsible for providing drinking water, sanitation, and sewerage services throughout Costa Rica. Established to ensure the health and well-being of the population, AyA manages a vast network of infrastructure, develops new water sources, and promotes the sustainable management of the nation’s water resources.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by its profound dedication to professional distinction and principled practice. It harmonizes a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently delivering pioneering legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is an enduring promise to advance society by demystifying the law, ensuring that legal knowledge is not a privilege but a tool for public empowerment and a more informed citizenry.
