Rate agency postpones plan to conserve water
The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) deferred to 2014 an increase in water rates that was intended to help save water during the dry season, which in Costa Rica runs from December to April.
ARESEP spokeswoman Carolina Mora confirmed that the hike, scheduled to take effect in March, was postponed because the Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) said “there was no emergency situation, and therefore the increase is unnecessary.”
However, Mora said ARESEP experts “do believe the country is in an emergency situation,” given the scarcity of water during the dry season. “We are in a critical situation since users must face frequent water rationing.”
In January, ARESEP said it was considering raising water rates to persuade customers to conserve. The temporary rate would have been applied gradually, starting from a monthly consumption of 15 cubic meters. A study released by AyA in 2012 showed that Ticos consume 8 percent more water than the global average.
You may be interested

Rule of law deteriorating in Nicaragua: UN rights chief
AFP - February 25, 2021The rule of law is deteriorating in Nicaragua ahead of November's general elections, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned Thursday,…

EuroMillions Jackpot Alert! Someone from Costa Rica could win a record €210 Million jackpot this Friday!
The Lotter - February 25, 2021EuroMillions Superdraw’s €210 million jackpot is the lottery’s biggest ever, and it could be won in Friday’s draw! There is…

UN commends Costa Rica for decarbonization efforts
Alejandro Zúñiga - February 25, 2021António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Thursday commended Costa Rica for its ongoing decarbonization efforts. Thursday marked the…