Types of Water Distribution in Costa Rica

A domestic water well is intended for private use on a single property. Typically, the property where the well is drilled is the same property that benefits from it. To extract water from this well, the property owner must obtain a domestic water well concession, specifying the permitted amount of water extraction. If the well yields sufficient groundwater, up to two additional properties can be connected to the same well. However, each property must obtain its own individual concessions for water extraction. It is important to note that a domestic water well cannot serve more than two independent properties in most cases.

A commercial water well is established to supply groundwater to multiple lots or properties. In this scenario, the well is drilled and completed by the land developer and subsequently donated to the local ASADA (Administrative Association of Water and Sanitation) for management and operation as part of the government water management system.

Under the Horizontal Condominium laws and regulations, a housing project can drill a single water well and distribute the groundwater to multiple properties within the project. The Board of Directors of the Condominium assumes the responsibility for managing the private water system.