Lack of rainfall could mean water rationing in San José

Various areas in the Costa Rican capital could face water rationing if the amount of rainfall does not increase in 15 days. So far, rainfall levels are falling short of that during a normal rainy season, which in Costa Rica runs from May to November.

Low rainfall levels last year prevented most of Costa Rica’s aquifers from reaching adequate levels, according to reports from the National Water and Sewers Institute (AyA).

Water rationing could apply to residents of Aserrí and Alajuelita (south), Santa Ana, Ciudad Colon (west), and the canton of El Guarco in the province of Cartago.

Costa Rica is not the only country in the region that could face a lack of rain. On Monday, the government of Panama issued a decree for electricity rationing in the public sector due to the low rainfall levels.

Panama’s restrictions include a shorter workday (7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), a maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius (75 F) for air conditioners, and the turning off of all lights in public buildings once the work day is over.