North America
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Location
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| Total Organizations: | 6 | |
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| Total Projects: | 7 | |
| Priority SDGs: |
Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4)
Increase Access to Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (SDG 6.1 & 6.2) Water Quality (SDG 6.3) Water Use Efficiency (SDG 6.4) Integrated Water Resource Management (SDG 6.5) Protect and Restore Ecosystems (SDG 6.6) International Cooperation and Capacity Building (SDG 6.a) Stakeholder Participation (SDG 6.b) Water-Related Disaster Management (SDG 11.5) Sustainable Production (SDG 12.4) Climate Resilience and Adaptation (SDG 13.1) |
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| Priority Regions: | Amazonas | |
| Priority Industries: | Power generation | |
| Organization Types: |
33%
Business
33%
NGO / Civil Society
17%
Individual / Sole Proprietor
17%
Water Fund
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| Profile Completion: | 100% | |
Total annual estimated cost to address all water-related challenges: $1,875,229,546.00
Share of total annual estimated cost to address each individual challenge (2015 $USD):
For more about this data, see information on WRI’s Achieving Abundance dataset here.
As reported by organizations on the Hub.
No challenges found.
1.1.1.WATER RESOURCES With an average width of 120km, Costa Rica receives about 170km3 from rain and about 75km3 finds its way into rivers and lakes; another 37km3 ends up in underground aquifers. The remaining water is lost through evaporation and evapotranspiration. Costa Rica is divided into three major slopes or basins: •the Atlantic side is the wet and rainy side and rarely experiences a deficit of water throughout the year; •the Atlantic side incorporates the northern slope, which drains into the San Juan river bordering Nicaragua and also towards the Caribbean Sea. The sub-basins within this slope contribute 5.8km3 annually to Lake Nicaragua and more than half of the water that flows into the San Juan river (around 23.2km3); •the Pacific slope is drier with a shared decline in average flow during the dry season. In total, there are 34 principal drainage basins in Costa Rica, with 17 having a major sloping contour. They range in size from 207km2 to 5,084km2. Groundwater is the primary water source in Costa Rica, where it accounts for nearly 90 per cent of agricultural, industrial and domestic water demands (with the exception of hydroelectric generation). Volcanic activity has formed highly permeable subterranean layers within the fragmented igneous lava. This phenomenon, coupled with high rainfall, has created aquifers in the central and northern part of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, where more than half of the population lives. These aquifers are called the Upper and Lower Colima and are separated by a layer that acts as a semi-permeable aquitard, which allows the descending and ascending vertical transfer of water. It has been estimated that the Lower Colima extends for approximately 230km2 and that the Upper Colima spreads over approximately 170km2. The Upper Colima aquifer is recharged from the Barva and La Libertad aquifers by vertical percolation. The Upper Colima also receives a large part of its recharge from rain infiltration in those areas where there are no overlying smaller aquifers. The Lower Colima is recharged from the Upper Colima by vertical percolation and from surface water where the Upper Colima is absent. The average recharge of the aquifer system was calculated in 1990 at 8200L/s. The depth of the water table level varies, depending on the surface topographical irregularities, but generally it ranges between 50 and 100m. The direction of the underground flow is from northeast to southwest in both aquifers. Surface water is represented by approximately 13 major rivers, with many adjoining tributaries that range in length from 50 to 160km. Costa Rica's major reservoir is Lake Arenal.
1.1.2.WATER USE In general, water quality is acceptable for drinking in urban areas as well as many rural areas. The government of Costa Rica understands tourism to be the primary driver of the national economy; therefore, great attention has been paid to improving potable water systems throughout the country. Costa Rica has the highest demand of water, both in total and per capita measures, in Central America. Per capita water usage is about 1,860L/day, amounting to 5 per cent of total available groundwater and surfacewater. Other Central American countries use an average of 3 per cent of total supplies. About 60 per cent of the Costa Rican population lives in urban areas; therefore, considerable emphasis has been placed on expanding water services to cities over the last decade. Approximately 99 per cent of the urban population is connected to water services, which is higher than the 90 per cent average for the rest of Latin America. Connection to the public water supply in rural areas of Costa Rica is about 92 per cent, representing about 1.56 million inhabitants. Agriculture accounts for 6.5 per cent of Costa Rica's GDP and 14 per cent of the workforce. Costa Rica irrigates around 21 per cent of its land under cultivation, relying primarily on surface water. The irrigation sector is managed by the National Irrigation and Drainage Service (SENARA). Two irrigation districts of note that differ in size and method are: •the Arenal-Tempisque Irrigation District (DRAT), which grows staple crops; •the Irrigation and Drainage of Small Areas (PARD), which is smaller but benefits more families than DRAT and focuses on higher-value crops. The Arenal-Tempisque Irrigation District (DRAT) is located in Guanacaste province, the driest area of the country (during five months of the year), and is nearly 100 per cent supplied by surface water, utilizing water from Lake Arenal. The DRAT has increased its surface area from 100km2 in 2003, to 280km2 today. It benefits approximately 1,125 families, producing mainly sugar cane, fodder, rice and fish (4km2 of aquaculture), generating income of approximately US$163.7 million from this region. The producers in the area pay SENARA a fixed rate fee of US$42.5/ha/year for water used in irrigation. Financial resources of US$13.7 million are being negotiated for the expansion of DRAT. The Irrigation and Drainage of Small Areas (PARD) is a district promoted by SENARA and is a response to requests made by individual producers, associations of producers and state institutions. SENARA is in charge of constructing irrigation canals. These are not state properties; they belong to the producers, who are responsible for properly maintaining the irrigation system. The PARD encompasses an area of 27km2 and benefits 2,023 families, who mainly cultivate vegetables, root crops, tubers, decorative plants and prickly pears. The areas where the DRAT and PARD operate include approximately 307km2; the total water demand is estimated at 35.2m3/s. Of this total demand, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Country Overview - Costa Rica (MINAE) has granted 1,240 concessions for exploiting surface and groundwaters for agricultural use; however, less than 97 per cent of the water in Costa Rica utilized for irrigation comes from surfacewater. According to the most recent figures published by FAO, Costa Rica theoretically has the potential to generate 25,400MW; however, more practically, the potential is closer to 10,000MW. The Lake Arenal has approximately 1,570BCM of useful capacity and produces roughly 70 per cent of Costa Rica’s electricity. The hydroelectric dam on this lake is known as the Presa Sangregado Dam, the Arenal Dam or the Sangregado Dam. The dam generates 640GWh/year and is located on the southeast shore of Lake Arenal in the Guanacaste Province, northwest Costa Rica. The Arenal hydroelectric project is operated by Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad. Other important hydroelectric operations in Costa Rica include the Cachí (three 34MW turbines), Angostura (three 70MW turbines) and Corobici (730GWh/year), which is a component of the Arenal hydroelectric project.
1.2.WATER QUALITY, ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN HEALTH Costa Rica’s major environmental problems are: deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; and air pollution. While drinking water is good in many parts of the country, there are still many concerns about the quality of water in streams and lakes. It has been observed that surface water pollution is a threefold problem. Untreated effluents from urban wastewater (only 3 per cent of wastewaters receive treatment) account for 20 per cent of the problem; 40 per cent comes from solid waste and industrial effluents (heavy metals being the primary culprit) and 40 per cent from the agricultural sector. In the agriculture sector alone, 70 per cent of pollution comes from debris from coffee plantations. Water basins that receive large quantities of contaminated runoff include the Grande de Tárcoles and Large Terraba rivers.
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Leonardo Rodriguez
Water Action Hub Staff
Pacific Institute
Coming Soon
Agua Tica Fondo de Agua (Organization)
Agua Tica es el primer fondo de agua de Costa Rica, contribuye a la protecci—n de las fuentes del recurso h’drico ubicadas en las subcuencas del r’o Grande y r’o Virilla. En esta valiosa alianza colaborativa participa la sociedad civil, … Learn More
Hidroterra Consultores Ambientales (Organization)
Aplicamos la hidrogeología ambiental y las técnicas más recientes que permitan garantizar la sostenibilidad del recurso hídrico, su aprovechamiento, protección y recuperación, siendo accesibles para cualquiera de los usuarios, brindando un servicio profesionalizado y de alta calidad, basado en la … Learn More
Human Endeavors (Organization)
www.youtube.co/watch?v=DMHbDqQkg
To provide decentralized, onsite water supply and wastewater treatment and recycling. Learn More
Stroud Water Research Center (Organization)
Stroud Water Research Center seeks to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration. Learn More
Suwo Di (Organization)
Somos un emprendimiento social dedicado a la educación, capacitación e incidencia en el área ambiental con énfasis en agua y saneamiento, con unenfoque de innovación y participación ciudadana Learn More
WaterStep (Organization)
WaterStep responds to critical needs for safe water by evaluating and implementing solutions and teaching people to use those tools. WaterStep saves lives with safe water by empowering communities to take care of their own long-term water needs. We believe … Learn More
Collective Rainwater Harvesting in Costa Rica (Project)
Bayer AG is programing meetings with neighbors that use the same water sources in order to jointly promote make a better use of the water. The site also shares its rain water harvest experience with the neighbors. With regards to … Learn More
Forest Conservation in the Greater Tarcoles River Watershed - Agua Tica Water Fund -1 (Project)
www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/journey/us/en/policies/...
This project protects 156.86 hectares of native forest remnants in the Greater Tarcoles River watershed, home to 60% of the population of Costa Rica. The areas supplying water for the San Jose metropolitan area are primarily agricultural and threatened by … Learn More
Forest Conservation in the Greater Tarcoles River Watershed - Agua Tica Water Fund - 2 (Project)
www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/journey/us/en/policies/...
This project, a collaboration between TCCC and TNC, conserved 242.53 hectares of forest in the Greater Tarcoles River watershed, home to 60% of the population of Costa Rica. Existing forest patches in the watershed are threatened by economic practices like … Learn More
Green Lands, Magnimasso (Project)
Green Lands seeks to co-create resilient communities through ecosystem restoration, basic service provision and social innovation. About the Proram Green Lands is a program that involves four basic aspects for self-sufficiency in rural areas. The process of implementation will be … Learn More
NDC Action (Project)
unepdtu.org/project/ndc-action
Facilitating the implementation of climate-resilient and low-carbon development aligned with national and global goals The NDC Action Project supports 10 partner countries to translate their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into concrete sector strategies and actions ready for financing and implementation, … Learn More
Starbucks Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E) Practices (Project)
www.conservation.org/campaigns/starbucks/Pages/default.aspx
Starbucks and Conservation International began an assessment of the water component of the Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program in 2008, focused on 2 stages in the coffee value chain: cultivating, growing and harvesting coffee using methods that avoid … Learn More
Water for the Future (Project)
journey.coca-cola.com/historias/agua-para-hoy-agua-para-el-f...
The project goal is to support the strengthening of long-term conservation mechanisms (Water Funds) in 11 basins of 6 countries in Latin America, implementing actions in the field, investing in more than 5,000 hectares in priority areas of watersheds key … Learn More
Aqua Gauge (Resource)
www.ceres.org/resources/tools/ceres-aqua-gauge-comprehensive...
Inform and strengthen your company’s water management strategies and allow your investors to evaluate current water management activities against detailed definitions of leading practice. Learn More
Developers: Ceres
A safe operating space for humanity (Planetary Boundaries) (Resource)
In this Nature feature, Johan Rockstrom and co-authors argue that identifying and quantifying planetary boundaries that must not be transgressed could help prevent human activities from causing unacceptable environmental change. Learn More
CDP Global Water Report 2018 (Resource)
This report presents analysis of the response data from a sample of 783 of the world’s largest publicly listed companies. The report is aimed at companies and investors seeking to understand how they can play their part in delivering a … Learn More
CEO Water Mandate Toolbox (Resource)
The Toolbox connects your business to the latest tools, guidance, case studies, datasets, and more most relevant to you based on your circumstances and interests. It features more than 250+ resources from dozens of organizations and is updated every week. Learn More
Developers: CEO Water Mandate, Pacific Institute
Checklist: Restoring Water Quality in Buildings for Reopening. (Resource)
www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-05/documents/final_c...
Checklist for restoring water quality in buildings left unused for a long duration. Learn More
Developers: EPA Office of Wastewater Management
COVID-19 and the right to water: The crucial role of business during and after the pandemic (Resource)
gbihr.org/updates/covid-19-and-the-right-to-water-the-crucia...
Includes Immediate steps, ongoing health measures that can be taken, and responsible business practice Learn More
COVID-19: SABESP AND THE FIGHT AGAINST THE PANDEMIC IN SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (Resource)
www.worldwatercouncil.org/sites/default/files/Members/NL_mem...
Based on the major combat guidelines set by the São Paulo State Government, Sabesp is fully engaged to endure COVID-19 pandemic within its operation area, which means 374 municipalities located throughout São Paulo state and home to about 28 million … Learn More
Developers: Sabesp
Drinking Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) and COVID-19 Library – WASH4Work (Resource)
Best practices- Resources- Webinars on WASH/COVID-19 topics. Learn More
Global Water Footprint Standard (Resource)
waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/TheWaterFootprintAssessme...
The Global Water Footprint Assessment Standard can be used to provide comparable quantification and robust analytics, helping corporations, governments, and researchers manage water resources and achieve greater water sustainability. Learn More
HACCP Principles & Application Guidelines (Resource)
www.fda.gov/food/hazard-analysis-critical-control-point-hacc...
The Committee designed this document to guide the food industry and advise its sponsoring agencies in the implementation of HACCP systems. Learn More
Incorporating Multiple Benefits into Water Projects: A Guide for Water Managers (Resource)
pacinst.org/publication/incorporating-multiple-benefits-into...
Adapting to climate change, coupled with the need to address aging infrastructure, population growth, and degraded ecosystems, requires significant investment in natural and built water systems. These investments present a significant opportunity to support not only water, but to provide … Learn More
Developers: Pacific Institute
Links: Resources on COVID-19 and WASH (Resource)
sanitationandwaterforall.org/about/about-us/water-sanitation...
To help our partners in responding to this health crisis in their countries, we have compiled different resources and tools around COVID-19 and WASH, which include documents, videos, social media materials with messages on public health, webinar recordings, etc. Learn More
(List) American Water Works Association: Coronavirus Resources (Resource)
www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/Coronavirus#106...
With special attention to resources for utilities, this page lists relevant guidance around water and COVID-19. Learn More
Developers: American Water Works Association
(List) WEF: The Water Professional’s Guide to COVID-19 (Resource)
wef.org/news-hub/wef-news/the-water-professionals-guide-to-t...
This page seeks to help water sector professionals keep informed on the attributions of the COVID-19 virus and any measures needed to protect both workers and public health, in general. Learn More
Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use. (Resource)
www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-05/documents/final_m...
How to ensure the safety of staff and maintaining water quality in buildings with little or no use. Learn More
Operational Considerations for COVID-19 Management in the Accommodation Sector (Resource)
apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331937/WHO-2019-nCo...
With private enterprises playing a critical role in contributing to the safety of their staff, it is important to change some of their core operations. This guide is meant as a stepping point to begin reopening with safety as a … Learn More
Restoring Water to Medical, Residential, and Commercial Buildings Shutdowns, Unsafe Water (Resource)
engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafety/covid19/index_html
How to ensure the safety of staff and maintaining water quality in buildings with little or no use. Learn More
SDG Compass Business Tools (Resource)
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Compass Business Tools inventory maps existing business tools against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It allows you to explore commonly used business tools that may be useful when assessing your organization’s impact on the SDGs. Learn More
Towards the Circular Economy: Accelerating the scale-up across global supply chains (Resource)
This report explores the possibilities of scaling a circular economy, given the reality of the global economy and the complexity of multi-tier supply chains. Learn More
Developers: World Economic Forum
WASH@Work: A Self-training Handbook (Resource)
ILO Sectoral Policies and Governance and Tripartism Departments present four self-training modules, which adapt existing ILO training tools on OSH to provide governments, workers and employers with the necessary skills to implement the general principles contained in relevant ILO instruments. … Learn More
Water Balance Targets (Resource)
www.worldwildlife.org/publications/water-balance-targets
Companies are increasingly setting and pursing ‘water balance targets’ as part of their water stewardship strategies. The seeming simplicity of balance goals can be attractive – “we will restore a volume of water equal to the amount our business consumes.” … Learn More
Developers: WWF
Water Risk Filter (Resource)
The Water Risk Filter can be used to assess and respond to water related risks for your own operations, suppliers, or growth plans. Learn More
Developers: WWF
World Bank Brief: WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) and COVID-19 (Resource)
www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/wash-water-sanitation...
Safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are an essential part of preventing and protecting human health during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More
Business Guide to Circular Water Management (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/business-guide-to-circular-wat...
WBCSD Learn More
Chemicals Management Module (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/chemicals-management-module-20...
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Learn More
Climate Change Adaptation Technologies for Water (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/climate-change-adaptation-tech...
CTCN; UNEP Learn More
Corporate Engagement on Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/corporate-engagement-WASH-supp...
CEO Water Mandate; Water Witness International; WaterAid; WBCSD Learn More
Creating Vibrant Markets for Investment in Climate Solutions (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/creating-vibrant-markets-for-i...
WBCSD Learn More
Drought Stress Testing Tool (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/drought-stress-testing-tool-20...
UNEP Learn More
Efficiency in Water Use: Guidance for the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/efficiency-water-use-guidance-...
IPIECA Learn More
Feeding Ourselves Thirsty (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/feeding-thirsty-2017
Ceres Learn More
From Organic Waste to Energy Ecolab Case Study (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/organic-waste-to-energy-ecolab...
Ecolab Learn More
Growing Water Risk Resilience: An Investor Guide on Agricultural Supply Chains (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/growing-water-risk-resilience-...
PRI; WWF Learn More
Guide to Responsible Business Engagement with Water Policy (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/policyengagement
CEO Water Mandate; Pegasys; Water Witness International; WWF Learn More
High and Dry: Climate Change, Water, and the Economy (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/high-dry-climate-change-water-...
The World Bank Learn More
IWRM Data Portal (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/iwrm-data-portal-2015
UNEP-DHI Learn More
Natural Infrastructure for Business Platform (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/natural-infrastructure-for-bus...
WBCSD Learn More
Nature-Based Solutions for Water (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/nature-based-solutions-for-wat...
UN Water Learn More
Principles on Water Governance (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/principles-water-governance-20...
OECD Learn More
Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/progress-drinking-water-sanita...
UNICEF; WHO Learn More
Rivers in Crisis (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/resourcesrivers-in-crisis-2010
River Threat Netwrok Learn More
Shared Water Challenges and Interests (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/files/private-sector-water-policy-engage...
CEO Water Mandate; WWF Learn More
Swedish Textile Water Initiative Guidelines (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/sweden-textile-water-initiativ...
Swedish Textile Water Initiative Learn More
The AWS International Water Stewardship Standard (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/aws-international-water-stewar...
Alliance for Water Stewardship Learn More
The Business Case for Action on WASH (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/the-business-case-for-action-o...
WaterAid Learn More
The Business Case for Investing in WASH (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/business-case-investing-wash-2...
CEO Water Mandate Learn More
The Business Case for Responsible Corporate Adaptation (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/the-business-case-for-responsi...
CEO Water Mandate Learn More
The Business Opportunity in Water Conservation (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/business-opportunity-water-con...
McKinsey Learn More
The Circular Sanitation Economy (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/circular-sanitation-economy-20...
Toilet Board Coalition Learn More
The Freshwater Health Index (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/toolbox-2/freshwater-health-index
Conservation International Learn More
UN Environment's Freshwater Strategy (2017-2021) (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/un-environments-freshwater-str...
UNEP Learn More
U.S. Climate-Water Database (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/u-s-climate-water-database-201...
U.S. General Services Administration Learn More
U.S. Drought Monitor (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/u-s-drought-monitor-2017
National Drought Mitigation Center Learn More
USGS Water Data Portal (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/usgs-water-data-portal-2016
USGS Learn More
Wastewater: The Untapped Resource (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/wastewater-the-untapped-resour...
UN Water Learn More
Water Efficiency Toolkit (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/water-efficiency-toolkit-2014
AT&T; EDF; Global Environmental Management Institute (GEMI) Learn More
Water Risk Hotspots for Agriculture (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/water-risk-hotspots-agricultur...
OECD Learn More
Water Stewardship in Sustainable Agriculture: Farm and Catchment Level Assessments (Resource toolbox)
ceowatermandate.org/resources/water-stewardship-sustainable-...
SAI Platform Learn More
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