No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsEnvironment and WildlifeHigh temperatures will mean more water rationing for some Central Valley residents

High temperatures will mean more water rationing for some Central Valley residents

Costa Rica’s ongoing hot and dry weather is causing water shortages, especially in high-altitude areas of the capital and some parts of the province of Heredia.

In response, the Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) has scheduled more rationing for customers in the San José cantons of Alajuelita, Santa Ana and Moravia. Residents in these areas currently have water for only eight to 10 hours per day.

AyA said on its website that daily rationing will continue as long as water storage tanks remain low at distribution facilities, because of the climate.

“These measures will be applied indefinitely until water levels increase, possibly at the start of the rainy season in mid-May,” the AyA press office said.

The Public Services Company of Heredia (ESPH) has been implementing rationing since mid-February, as lack of rainfall last year caused a decrease in water reserves by nearly 30 percent.

The shortage is affecting some 25,000 people, mostly in northern and central cantons.

The ESPH is rationing water service from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for all customers in an area extending from the National University campus to the Palacio de los Deportes, and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in the communities of La Cornelia, La Liliana, Emilia and some sectors of San Francisco.

Both agencies recommend residents in these areas store sufficient water to meet daily needs until weather improves.

There was some good news, however, as the Public Services Regulatory Authority this week reported that it would submit in April a proposal to reduce water rates for AyA and ESPH customers.

Trending Now

Former Zoo to Become Costa Rica’s First Urban Natural Park

Simón Bolívar Park, in San José, will be the first space in the country to become an Urban Natural Park. The project, led by...

Panama Canal Warns of Traffic Decline as Economic Uncertainty Grows

The Panama Canal will take in about $400 million less in the next fiscal year due to a drop in ship traffic caused by...

Costa Rica Anglers Catch Rare Orange and Albino Nurse Shark

Anglers on a fishing trip off Costa Rica's Caribbean coast caught a nurse shark unlike any seen before: bright orange skin and stark white...

Honduras Community Demands Justice in Environmental Murder Case

Three defendants accused of murdering an environmental activist in Honduras 11 months ago appeared before a court this Thursday for a preliminary hearing, the...

President Chaves Downplays Costa Rica’s Security Crisis Amid Record Homicides

President Rodrigo Chaves brushed off concerns about Costa Rica's surging violence during his Wednesday press conference, insisting the security situation "is not as serious"...

Costa Rica Issues Green Weather Alert as Heavy Rains Expected

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has declared a green weather alert across Costa Rica due to the expected increase in rainfall over the coming...
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica