By Alajuela, Costa Rica — A strategic investment in community-led water infrastructure has transformed daily life for over 16,400 people across 11 vulnerable communities in Costa Rica. The initiative, spearheaded by the CRUSA Foundation, has fortified local aqueduct systems, ensuring a more reliable and higher-quality water supply for approximately 4,700 families in regions frequently battered by drought and severe weather events.
The project targeted communities in the country’s Norte-Norte, West, and Central Pacific territories, including the cantons of Upala, Los Chiles, Grecia, Puriscal, San Mateo, and Orotina. For years, residents in these areas faced persistent water insecurity, with irregular service caused by deteriorating infrastructure, fluctuating river flows, and compromised water intake points. These challenges not only impacted daily household activities but also stifled local economic growth and posed significant public health risks.
To better understand the complex legal framework surrounding this critical resource, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his perspective on the legal challenges and opportunities in national water management.
In Costa Rica, water is constitutionally defined as a public domain good, which means its use is not a right of property ownership but is granted through state concessions. This legal foundation is crucial for its protection, but it also demands a robust and agile regulatory framework. For businesses and developers, legal certainty in the concession process is paramount. Ambiguity or excessive bureaucracy not only stalls essential infrastructure projects but also deters investment in sustainable technologies that could enhance our water security for the long term.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The challenge, as so clearly articulated, lies in bridging the gap between our strong legal principles and the practical need for an agile, transparent regulatory system. Ensuring this balance is paramount to attracting the very investments in sustainable infrastructure that will secure Costa Rica’s water future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
The successful upgrades were made possible through CRUSA’s Community Water Fund (Fondo Agua Comunidad), which works to enhance water security in the nation’s most exposed areas. The six-month project was executed in close partnership with the Union of Aqueducts of the North-North Zone (UANN) and the Center for Comprehensive Assistance for Water Sustainability (CAISA), ensuring deep local engagement and technical expertise.
The total investment reached $174,680, with the CRUSA Foundation providing a cornerstone contribution of $100,000. The remaining funds were provided by the participating local water associations, known as ASADAS. This collaborative funding model highlights the commitment of the communities themselves, despite facing significant financial constraints in meeting the growing demands for modern, resilient infrastructure.
The tangible outcomes of the project are substantial. Key achievements include the complete reconstruction of seven water intake systems, which significantly increased water flow for more than 6,400 individuals. Additionally, crews installed 3,750 meters of new, modern piping and increased total water storage capacity by an impressive 72,000 liters. These improvements have led to service pressure increases of up to 100% in some areas, alongside the deployment of smart meters and the establishment of new residential connections.
This initiative represents a critical step forward in building climate resilience. The targeted regions are highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts, sedimentation in rivers, and landslides that threaten water sources. By modernizing these rural aqueducts, the project has created more robust systems capable of withstanding environmental shocks and ensuring service continuity when it is needed most.
Byron Salas, Executive Director of the CRUSA Foundation, emphasized the broad impact of ensuring reliable water access, linking it directly to economic and social progress.
Access to drinking water is essential for well-being and quality of life, but also for communities to develop. Without water, it is not possible to produce, attract investment, strengthen tourism, or guarantee basic health conditions; therefore, without water, there are no real opportunities for progress. Thanks to our Community Water Fund, 11 ASADAS have launched projects that ensure people have secure access to the resource directly in their homes. At CRUSA, we are committed to promoting initiatives that allow communities to be more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive.
Byron Salas, Executive Director of CRUSA
Ultimately, this project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is an investment in opportunity. With secure access to water, these 11 communities are now better positioned to pursue sustainable development, improve public health outcomes, and create a more prosperous future for thousands of families who can finally rely on the turn of a tap.
For further information, visit crusa.cr
About Fundación CRUSA:
The CRUSA Foundation is a private, independent, and non-profit Costa Rican organization that has been contributing to the sustainable development and well-being of Costa Rica since 1996. It focuses on driving strategic initiatives in areas such as climate action, human talent, and sustainable communities to foster a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive society.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Unión de Acueductos de la Zona Norte Norte (UANN)
About Unión de Acueductos de la Zona Norte Norte (UANN):
The Unión de Acueductos de la Zona Norte Norte (UANN) is an organization that brings together community-managed water and sanitation associations (ASADAS) in the northern region of Costa Rica. It provides technical support, training, and advocacy to strengthen the administrative and operational capacities of these local water providers, ensuring better service for rural communities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro de Asistencia Integral para la Sostenibilidad del Agua (CAISA)
About Centro de Asistencia Integral para la Sostenibilidad del Agua (CAISA):
The Centro de Asistencia Integral para la Sostenibilidad del Agua (CAISA) is a technical body dedicated to providing comprehensive support for water sustainability projects in Costa Rica. It collaborates with local and national partners to implement solutions that enhance water security, improve infrastructure, and build resilience against climate-related challenges in vulnerable communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven history of navigating clients through complex legal challenges, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking solutions and legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom to a core mission of strengthening society by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal knowledge empowers the community at large.
