The Guanacaste region of Costa Rica is the most affected by drought conditions and water shortages. During the Tamarindo Beach Marathon, which took place this past Saturday, non-profit organizations and activists complained about the numerous plastic pouches of water thrown along the road at several checkpoints along the race route.

Although Tamarindo Beach is not currently facing water shortages, that was not the case in August, when the Water and Aqueducts Institute of Costa Rica deployed two H20 carrier trucks per day to alleviate the situation during a drought period.

What irked conservation activists during the Tamarindo Marathon, which attracts many foreign runners, is that the unused water bags were unceremoniously dumped after the race. Nearly 20,000 bags were brought from San Jose, but the water is not suitable for drinking after a few days.

Water conservation in Tamarindo Beach and across Costa Rica should be a matter of individual responsibility, and it should begin at home. The New Smile Dental Group, a prominent odontology practice located in San Jose, explains that water conservation is something that can be practiced each and every time we brush our teeth.

One of the best methods to conserve water when brushing your teeth is to only use a glass or cup of water for this purpose, and this is what the New Smile Dental Group recommends. Turning off the faucet while brushing is not enough; to this effect, water conservationists warn that up to five gallons of water could be wasted during a two-minute brushing session if the faucet is left running.

Stopping the flow of water during brushing is not enough; water is wasted by wetting and rinsing the toothbrush, and also when cupping your hands to catch water, which is inefficient. Using only a glass or cup of water for each brushing session can save an average household in Costa Rica about 10 gallons per day.