Water supply and sanitation in Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Water and Sanitation
Data
Access to an improved water source 97% (2010) [1]
Access to improved sanitation 95% (2010) [1]
Continuity of supply (%) n/a
Average urban water use (liter/capita/day) n/a
Average urban water and sewer bill for 20m3 US$5/month
Share of household metering 96%
Share of collected wastewater treated 4% (2007)
Annual investment in WSS US$5/capita (1991-1998 average)
Share of self-financing by utilities 40%
Share of tax-financing 30%
Share of external financing 30%
Institutions
Decentralization to municipalities Very limited
National water and sanitation company Yes, AyA
Economic regulatory agency Yes, multi-sector regulator (ARESEP)
Responsibility for policy setting Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment
Sector law No
Number of urban service providers 2 (AyA and ESPH S.A.)
Number of rural service providers 1,827 rural systems managed by community-based organizations (ASADAS)

Costa Rica has made significant progress in the past decade in expanding access to water supply and sanitation, but the sector faces key challenges in low sanitation connections, poor service quality, and low cost recovery.