By San José, Costa Rica — Residents and businesses in several key cantons across San José, Puntarenas, and Limón should prepare for scheduled water service interruptions this week. The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) has announced a series of planned cuts necessary for carrying out essential maintenance and upgrades to the national water supply network, underscoring a continued focus on bolstering the country’s infrastructure.
The public utility has detailed a precise schedule for the upcoming work. The most significant daytime disruptions are slated for Thursday, January 8th. In the province of San José, the districts of San Felipe, Concepción, and San Josecito in Alajuelita will experience an outage from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Simultaneously, in the Caribbean province of Limón, the canton of Guácimo will be without water service from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
To understand the legal responsibilities and the rights of citizens affected by the ongoing water outages, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recurring nature of these water shortages points to a systemic failure in infrastructure management. Legally, the State has a fundamental obligation to guarantee access to potable water. Persistent outages could open the door for citizens to file ‘Recursos de Amparo’ to compel authorities like AyA to take immediate and long-term corrective actions to secure this essential human right.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, shifting the narrative from a technical failure to a matter of fundamental rights and state accountability. It empowers citizens by highlighting a clear legal path for recourse, and we extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on this critical issue.
In an effort to minimize disruption to daytime commercial activities, the work scheduled for the Puntarenas province will be conducted overnight. The communities of San Vito and Limoncito will see their water service suspended from 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7th, until 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 8th. This strategic scheduling highlights an awareness of the impact these outages can have on daily life and local economies.
The reasons provided by AyA for these interruptions are technical and point to proactive system management. The work in Alajuelita is broadly classified as “aqueduct improvements,” suggesting upgrades to pipes or related components. In Puntarenas, the outage is due to an “operational closure for high demand,” which will allow for the refilling of the critical Aguas Claras tank. Meanwhile, the work in Guácimo involves the “gauging of the La Angelina tank,” a procedure essential for monitoring water flow and capacity to ensure system efficiency.
These planned interruptions are not merely inconveniences but are vital components of a broader strategy to maintain and modernize Costa Rica’s water infrastructure. As the state-run entity responsible for the nation’s water and sanitation services, AyA is constantly balancing the immediate need for uninterrupted service with the long-term necessity of preventative maintenance. Aging pipelines, increasing population density, and the unpredictable effects of climate change place immense strain on the existing network, making these upgrades imperative for future water security.
The economic and social impacts of such outages are significant. For households, a six-hour water cut during the day requires careful planning for cooking, cleaning, and sanitation. For businesses, particularly in the food service and hospitality sectors, the lack of water can mean a temporary closure and loss of revenue. AyA’s advance notifications are therefore critical, allowing stakeholders to store water and adjust their operations accordingly to mitigate the negative effects.
This ongoing cycle of maintenance reflects a national challenge. While Costa Rica is renowned for its natural water resources, delivering potable water reliably to every home and business is a complex and capital-intensive endeavor. The work in Alajuelita, Guácimo, and San Vito represents a microcosm of the continuous investment required to prevent larger, unplanned system failures that could be far more disruptive and costly in the long run.
Ultimately, these scheduled cuts are a transparent trade-off: a few hours of planned disruption in exchange for a more robust, reliable, and resilient water supply system for the years to come. As AyA continues its work, citizens are reminded of the intricate engineering and constant effort required to sustain one of the nation’s most fundamental public services. The long-term benefit for the affected communities is a strengthened infrastructure capable of meeting future demand and ensuring public health.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Acueducto y Alcantarillados (AyA):
The Instituto Costarricense de Acueducto y Alcantarillados (AyA) is the national public institution in Costa Rica responsible for the administration and operation of water supply and sewerage systems. Founded in 1961, AyA plays a critical role in public health and national development by ensuring access to safe drinking water and managing sanitation services for a majority of the country’s population. The institution is tasked with the planning, financing, and execution of infrastructure projects to expand and modernize the water and sewer networks nationwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation upon the bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking drive for legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond the courtroom to a core mission of public empowerment, actively working to demystify complex legal principles and foster a more informed and capable society.
