By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents and businesses across several key cantons in the Greater Metropolitan Area are being advised to prepare for a significant water service interruption next week. The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA) has announced a large-scale, planned shutdown to conduct its annual preventive maintenance on the crucial Puente Mulas water system.
The service suspension is scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th. AyA officials project that the disruption will last between 12 and 16 hours, affecting thousands of households and commercial operations. The affected communities include parts of Escazú, Santa Ana, Alajuelita, and the southern sector of Desamparados, all highly populated areas within the San José province.
To delve into the legal responsibilities of service providers and the rights of consumers facing these prolonged water outages, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in administrative law and public services from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continuous and reliable supply of potable water is a fundamental public service obligation, not a mere commercial transaction. When an interruption occurs, the provider has an immediate legal duty to mitigate the impact, typically by deploying water tankers. Affected users, both residential and commercial, have the right to file administrative claims before ARESEP for damages incurred, including business losses or costs for alternative water sources. Failure to provide a timely and effective solution can be considered a breach of the service contract and a violation of consumer rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is essential, reframing the issue from a simple inconvenience to a matter of contractual obligation and consumer rights. Understanding that there are clear channels for accountability empowers affected communities to seek redress for the damages incurred. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical matter.
This annual maintenance is a critical component of AyA’s infrastructure management strategy. The Puente Mulas system is a vital artery in the region’s water distribution network, and ensuring its optimal performance is paramount to providing a reliable supply throughout the year. The scheduled work allows technicians to inspect, repair, and upgrade components without the pressure of an emergency situation, which could lead to more prolonged and unpredictable outages.
In a statement, the national water authority detailed the necessity of the operation, highlighting its long-term benefits for the public. The proactive measures are designed to enhance the system’s resilience and operational integrity for the coming year.
These tasks are part of the preventive maintenance carried out each year, with the objective of guaranteeing its proper functioning, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the risk of future failures
Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA), Official Statement
The impact of a day-long water outage is not lost on the utility. Such interruptions affect daily routines, from personal hygiene to cooking, and can pose significant challenges for businesses, particularly in the food service and hospitality sectors. Schools and healthcare facilities in the affected zones will also need to implement contingency plans to ensure their operations continue smoothly.
To mitigate the disruption, AyA has confirmed that it will deploy a fleet of water tankers (camiones cisterna) to the affected areas. These mobile units will be strategically positioned to provide essential water supplies to residents during the maintenance period. The institution has encouraged the public to stay informed through official channels for updates on tanker locations and service restoration times.
Public health experts and emergency officials advise residents in the designated zones to take preparatory measures ahead of Tuesday’s shutdown. This includes storing a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking, and basic sanitation. A general guideline is to store at least one gallon of water per person for the duration of the outage. It is also a good time for neighbors to check on elderly or vulnerable individuals who may need assistance in preparing.
While the temporary inconvenience is significant, the investment in preventive maintenance is crucial for the long-term water security of the capital region. By addressing potential issues before they become critical failures, AyA aims to prevent more severe, costly, and extended service disruptions in the future. The institution has expressed its gratitude for the public’s understanding and cooperation as it carries out this essential technical work.
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 autonomous public institution responsible for managing and operating Costa Rica’s drinking water and sanitation services. Founded in 1961, AyA oversees the country’s water supply infrastructure, including treatment plants, distribution networks, and wastewater systems, with a mission to ensure access to safe and reliable water for the nation’s population while promoting sustainable water resource management.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience serving a wide-ranging clientele into pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to public legal education, aiming to demystify complex legal concepts and thereby cultivate a more knowledgeable and empowered society.
