Just 15 percent of residents have a wastewater treatment system, say specialists

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Just 15 percent of residents have a
wastewater treatment system, say specialists

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

According to the most recent report on water for human consumption and sanitation of the National Water Laboratory, in Costa Rica there are 4.6 million people who have potable water in their homes (92.4 percent), being the highest coverage regional level. However, only 750,000 people have safe sanitation (15 percent). That means that 85 percent of people do not have a safe wastewater treatment system.

The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, together with the United Nations Development Program, recognize the need to increase safe sanitation, as well as adaptation and mitigation measures against the effects of climate change on water sources.

"Costa Rica is recognized for the high coverage of access to drinking water,” said Yamileth Astorga, president of the Institute. “But we must continue with investments in wastewater treatment and treatment projects."

The report also showed a gap in access to drinking water between urban and rural areas, since coverage is 96.4 percent in the capital and 84.4 percent in rural areas.

In terms of sanitation, 13.4 percent of wastewater is disposed of in sewers that do not have a treatment plant and so direct discharges to rivers, streams, and the sea persists.

Extreme weather conditions affect water availability when they occur. For example, it is expected that, in the northern region of the country, rainfall will decrease by 35 percent in 2050.

There is also an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms and hurricanes that directly threaten the potable water infrastructure.

Kryssia Brade, an official of the United Nations Development Program, said "climate change and the depletion of natural resources, often due to pollution, demand immediate actions to guarantee sustainable development."

A,M. Costa Rica wire services photo

Only 15 percent people have safe sanitation. That means that 85 percent of people do not have a safe wastewater treatment system.

According to the Institute of Aqueducts, 112 projects are being developed for potable water and water treatment, with an investment of almost c1,000 million colones (about $1,671,550).

The Institute reported that with a loan from the Global Environment Fund in the amount of $5 million, and with the United Nations Development Program’s technical cooperation, 300 communal water systems will be upgraded in the northern part of the country.

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