This regulation simplified procedures for the registration of water wells that were drilled without a permit.
/A.M. Costa Rica wire services photo.
Amnesty begins for registering water wells
on private property
By the A.M.
Costa Rica staff
President
Carlos Alvarado has signed the new rule called “Regulation of
registration of water wells without number, and authorization of the
process of concession of underground waters.”
This regulation simplified procedures for the registration of water
wells that were drilled without a permit. And it also makes the process
easier to obtain a water-use concession.
According to the Ministry of Environment, there is no national inventory
of the number of water wells that were drilled without a permit.
In addition, officials estimated that many are being operated by small
and medium farmers, so it was necessary to open an amnesty that allows
registration. The regulation aims to learn the number of water wells on
private properties.
The current Underground Drilling Regulations for the Exploration and
Exploitation of Groundwater entered into force in April 2010. With the
new regulation, the water wells that were drilled before that date
should be registered.
Owners will have six months to register the water wells they have
drilled within their properties. The procedure must be done at the
nearest Ministry of Environment facilities.
This regulation only applies to those water wells drilled with
specialized machinery or equipment. The artisanal water wells used for
household use is exempt from registration.
More information on the requirements for register water wells on private
properties can be found at the Ministry of Environment via phone
number (506) 2233-4533.
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