NRM Log 2: Water and Waste Management 22-2-2010

With a growing world population and developing tourism in Costa Rica, it is necessary that the country manages its resources and waste efficiently. Currently, a key problem facing Costa Rica’s drinking water supply is the outdated infrastructure. Just under half of all of the drinking water is lost due to uncontrolled use and leaks. One possible solution to this issue would be the privatization of water. If multiple companies competed for business, the infrastructure would be efficient and regulated, and prices would not skyrocket as long as a monopoly is avoided. In addition, wastewater management needs to improve so that natural sources like aquifers are not contaminated by agricultural runoff. This could also be directly improved with better infrastructure to dispose of the agricultural contaminants. Lastly, a key problem facing Costa Rica’s waste management will be the transition to a new system, especially in the areas that currently have different waste management systems in place. A first step for government would be regulations that hold industries, hotels, and other new developments accountable for their own waste management/recycling to encourage the poorer regions to adapt new policies as well.