The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts confirmed a water deficit caused by the El Niño phenomenon which causes drought conditions in much of the country. 

El Niño is the warm phase associated with a band of warm ocean water that develops in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific. El Niño is accompanied by high air pressure in the western Pacific and low air pressure in the eastern Pacific.

Statistics of the Institute indicate that an estimated 114,500 people have had some problems with water service in the dry season. Of these, about 100,000 are inhabitants of San José*, Alajuela* and Heredia*, 12,500 in the province of Guanacaste*, 1,500 in Puntarenas* and the Peninsula of Nicoya*, 500 in the area of El General* in the south, and 100 of the province of Cartago*. The decrease in rainfall has caused an approximate 15 percent reduction in water availability since November of last year.

Yamileth Astorga, president of the Institute of Aqueducts, said  that "in the dry season, consumption increases up to 10 percent, so we must insist on saving measures."

The institute calls on the public to take measures to save on water use, including the following:

-Eliminate leaks in faucets or connections of sinks.

-Control the overflow and leaks in toilet tanks.

-Eliminate dripping in showers.

-When bathing, shut off water when soaping.

-Close the faucet while brushing your teeth or while washing the dishes.

-Wash clothes in large batches.