As the result of the over-exploitation of aquifers throughout the northwestern province of Guanacaste, thousands of people are receiving water that has been salinized to the point it is no longer fit for human consumption, Elizabeth Fallas, one of the officials that oversees community water systems known as ASADAs for the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), told CRHoy.com in an interview published Wednesday morning.

According to Fallas, the problem is in large part due to the drilling of illegal wells, which are overstressing the province’s underground aquifers.

The situation further complicates official’s efforts to solve water problems in the province, where at least 13,000 people in 140 communities are currently experiencing problems with water quality, as well as severe shortages.

 

In joint effort, public institutes to search for new Guanacaste water sources

Officials in January announced a joint effort between the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), and the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) to locate new water sources in the province.

The joint agreement, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) will involve the drilling of 13 exploratory wells over the course of the next 12 months.

ICE will provide equipment and expertise, including experts and specialists in hydrogeology, geology, geophysics and drilling.

For its part, AyA will be responsible for carrying out the actual drilling and testing of the wells, and the construction of delivery systems for wells found suitable for exploitation.

The government of Costa Rican president, Luis Guillermo Solis declared a plan to improve water infrastructure and provide drought relief in the province in July of last year, declaring the initiative to be of “national interest” and pledging US $50 million to solve the province’s water crisis.

In announcing the plan, known as the “Integral Water Supply Program for Guanacaste” in July 2015, the government said that funding would be provided as part of a donation from China that was received in January of last year, in addition to financing provided by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE), as well as US $2 million from ICE and additional funding via services fees charged by AyA.