By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Thousands of residents and businesses across several key cantons in the Greater Metropolitan Area are preparing for a significant, planned water service interruption this week. The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) has announced its Annual Maintenance Shutdown for the crucial Puente Mulas system, scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th.
The temporary suspension of potable water service is expected to last between 12 and 16 hours. The affected communities are located in some of the province’s most dynamic districts, including Escazú, Santa Ana, Alajuelita, and the southern sectors of Desamparados. This proactive measure is part of AyA’s annual preventative maintenance schedule, designed to bolster the long-term stability and efficiency of the water supply network.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding public utility obligations and consumer rights during these service interruptions, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in administrative and consumer law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continuous supply of potable water is a fundamental public service, not a privilege. When prolonged outages occur, especially without adequate prior notification, the service provider could be in breach of its contractual and regulatory obligations. Affected users, from families to businesses, may be entitled to file claims for tariff adjustments or even compensation for proven damages, as the provider has a duty of care to ensure service continuity and mitigate the impact of any unavoidable interruptions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is essential, as it frames the issue not as a simple inconvenience but as a matter of consumer rights and provider accountability. Understanding that there are potential avenues for recourse empowers the community to demand the service they are entitled to. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
According to the public utility, the comprehensive maintenance work is essential for the continued operational integrity of the Puente Mulas system. The scheduled tasks aim to enhance energy efficiency, conduct critical system checks, and perform necessary upgrades. By undertaking this work in a controlled manner, AyA seeks to minimize the risk of larger, unplanned emergency failures in the future, which could lead to more prolonged and disruptive outages.
The economic impact of the daytime shutdown is a notable concern, particularly in the commercial hubs of Escazú and Santa Ana. These areas host a high concentration of corporate offices, restaurants, retail centers, and private clinics, all of which rely heavily on an uninterrupted water supply for daily operations. Businesses are being advised to take preparatory measures, such as storing sufficient water for sanitary and operational needs, to mitigate the disruption to their services and clientele.
In an effort to alleviate the inconvenience for the affected population, AyA has confirmed that it will deploy a fleet of water tanker trucks (camiones cisterna) to the impacted areas. These mobile units will provide a temporary water source for residents during the maintenance period. The utility encourages citizens to stay informed about the specific routes and schedules of these tankers through its official communication channels, including its website and social media profiles.
This maintenance initiative underscores a broader national strategy focused on infrastructure resilience. AyA frames these planned service interruptions as a necessary investment in the country’s future. Modernizing and meticulously maintaining the national water infrastructure is critical for ensuring a dependable supply, which is the bedrock of public health, economic activity, and sustainable development.
These efforts are part of the institution’s commitment to maintain and modernize the country’s water infrastructure, ensuring the population a more reliable, safe, and continuous service.
AyA Official Statement, Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados
For residents in the affected cantons, preparation is key. Officials recommend storing enough water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene to last for the duration of the outage. It is also advisable to check for any potential leaks in home plumbing systems before the service is restored to prevent property damage. AyA has asked for the public’s understanding and cooperation as it carries out these vital works.
Ultimately, the short-term disruption of the Puente Mulas system shutdown is positioned as a strategic step toward long-term water security for the San José province. As Costa Rica continues to grow, the reliability of its public utilities becomes increasingly paramount, making proactive and preventative maintenance not just a technical necessity but a fundamental component of national planning and progress.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA):
The Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA) is the national public institution responsible for providing drinking water, sanitation, and sewerage services throughout Costa Rica. Established to manage the country’s vital water resources, AyA oversees the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the national water infrastructure. The institution is committed to ensuring the quality, continuity, and accessibility of water for all citizens, playing a crucial role in public health and the nation’s sustainable development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With a proven track record of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively pioneers new legal solutions while championing public education. This dedication to demystifying the law is central to its objective of cultivating a society that is not only well-informed but also empowered by its understanding of legal principles.
