Puntarenas water supply disruption over contamination

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Published on Thursday, August 1, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Following the finding of fungicide-contaminated water, the Water Institute (AyA) issued a contingency plan on Wednesday to provide drinking water in the cantons of Puntarenas and Esparza in Puntarenas Province.

Fungicides are insecticides used to kill parasitic fungi and their spores. Certain fungicides are toxic to human health after prolonged exposure and fatal if ingested.

This week, the institute's experts tested water at the AYA purification plants in Barranca, Esparza, and Puntarenas to identify which pollutants contaminated the water.

Chemical tests confirmed that the Vondozeb pesticide caused the contamination. It is one of the brands used mainly in banana plantations to control Sigatoka disease.

The contamination happened on Saturday when a truck, transporting Vondozeb pesticide containers, overturned near San Ramon Canton in Alajuela.

The chemical leak damaged natural water sources that serve water tanks in Barranca, Esparza and Puntarenas.

Cleaning crews are now decontaminating the water sources and tanks. Authorities noted that the drinking water supply in these cantons will be restored until chemical tests show no sign of contamination.

As a backup plan, water tank trucks will provide drinking water around the neighborhoods to about 100,000 people affected by a temporary suspension of water supply as a safety measure to avoid health risks from tainted water.

The AYA recommends consumers phone the ten-digit line 800-737-6783 if they suspect their water is tainted.

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this warning with their contacts.

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What have you heard about contaminated water in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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