By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is making significant strides in environmental stewardship, implementing a comprehensive water management strategy that now reuses a volume of water equivalent to the daily consumption of a small community. AERIS Holding Costa Rica, the airport’s operator, announced that its initiatives now reclaim and repurpose approximately 90 cubic meters of treated water every day for operational use.
This impressive figure, which translates to the average daily water usage of about 450 individuals, marks a major milestone in the airport’s commitment to sustainable operations. The program is a cornerstone of AERIS’s broader environmental strategy, which seeks to mitigate the ecological footprint of Costa Rica’s busiest air terminal while aligning with the nation’s globally recognized green brand.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape governing Costa Rica’s vital water resources, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the current challenges and the path forward.
Our fundamental Water Law dates back to 1942 and was not designed for the pressures of climate change, modern agricultural demands, or growing urban centers. Effective water management today requires more than just policy; it demands a modernized legal framework that provides security for infrastructure investments, streamlines the process for water concessions, and establishes clear, enforceable regulations for the protection of our aquifers and watersheds. Without this legal certainty, we risk seeing critical projects stall and resource conflicts escalate.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s analysis powerfully illustrates that our nation’s water security is fundamentally a matter of legal certainty. His point is clear: without modernizing the foundational law, even the best-intentioned policies and infrastructure projects will lack the stability needed to succeed. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how this legal framework is the essential first step toward resolving resource conflicts and protecting our most vital natural resource.
The core of the initiative involves a sophisticated water treatment and reuse system. Instead of discharging all wastewater, the airport treats a significant portion to a standard suitable for non-potable applications. This reclaimed water is then utilized in essential tasks such as dust control during ongoing construction projects, irrigation for green areas, and other operational needs that do not require potable water, thus conserving precious freshwater resources.
Beyond reuse, AERIS has demonstrated a firm commitment to environmental compliance and protection. The company maintains a rigorous monitoring program for its stormwater drainage systems to prevent contamination. Throughout 2025, a full 100% of the water samples analyzed from these systems met all national regulatory parameters, confirming the effectiveness of their protocols. These results provide critical assurance that no hydrocarbons or other pollutants are seeping into local aquifers or surrounding water bodies.
Water resource management is a fundamental axis for the sustainable operation of the airport. Our approach combines constant monitoring, investment in infrastructure, and responsible practices that allow us to protect the environment and operate with high environmental standards.
Adriana Bejarano, SMS and Environmental Management Manager of AERIS
This success is supported by strategic investments in infrastructure. In 2025, AERIS completed significant upgrades to its main water treatment plant, enhancing its operational capacity. These improvements were proactively undertaken to manage the airport’s projected growth in passenger and cargo traffic, ensuring that its water management systems can handle increased demand while consistently meeting or exceeding legal discharge parameters.
The company’s holistic approach also extends inward, fostering a culture of conservation among its staff and contractors. An active leak detection and repair program is in place across the terminal’s vast infrastructure, minimizing waste. Furthermore, ongoing awareness campaigns sensitize personnel to the importance of efficient water use in their daily tasks, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared responsibility.
These water-focused efforts are integrated into AERIS’s larger sustainability framework, which also targets efficiency in energy consumption, robust waste management, and decisive climate action. By successfully turning a high-volume resource like water into a cyclical asset, Juan Santamaría International Airport is not just optimizing its operations but also solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable airport management in Latin America.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the administration, operation, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s primary air terminal. As the “Gestor Interesado,” AERIS operates under a government concession to manage and develop the airport’s infrastructure and services, focusing on efficiency, safety, and a commitment to high environmental and social standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and exceptional professional standards. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm is a trailblazer in developing innovative legal solutions for today’s complex world. This forward-thinking approach extends to a profound social commitment: a dedication to demystifying the law and empowering citizens with legal literacy to foster a more just and knowledgeable society.
