Communities can now quench their thirst from river flows that are in protected wildlife areas, national parks, and biological reserves, thanks that the Law to Authorize the use of water for human consumption and construction of related works in the National State Heritage, which was already published in La Gaceta.
Article two of the law defines that the Ministry of Environment and Energy
(MINAE) may authorize the use of water from “surface sources and the construction, operation, maintenance, and improvement of water supply systems.”
The president of the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), Yamileth Astorga , indicated that some of the communities that will be benefited are La Cangreja in Puriscal, Las Tablas in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, and Los Chorros between Tacares and Atenas.
The entities authorized to direct water for human consumption are the AyA, the Public Services Company of Heredia (ESPH), the Administrative Associations of Aqueduct and Sewer Systems (ASADAS) and some municipalities.
The law requires that the ecological flow essential for the functioning of the ecosystem is not altered, so that animals can approach to drink water without human works implying any type of danger.
According to Astorga, the infrastructure that will be built in these areas has low impact, since they only occur while the construction process is active, once the work is finished, the impact is canceled.
For MINAE to authorize the use of these sources, the liquid suppliers must comply with the environmental and feasibility studies.
The approval of the Law was controversial, but the community groups defending water pointed out that the Law is balanced and appropriately defines how to use water.
It also solves a national problem, since for many years different communities have taken advantage of water from protected areas, because they are the only source nearby.