Communities in Bagaces show their concern for arsenic in their water on social media and during visits from the Voice of Guanacaste despite efforts by Costa Rica’s Aqueducts and Sewers Institute (AyA) to keep it below maximum levels.
She agrees that water has been their main concern for years.
“We’ve been drinking water our whole lives without knowing exactly what’s in it.” In Quintas don Miguel, in downtown Bagaces, Eliécer González has the main concern.
While there is a plant here that removes arsenic from water, residents don’t trust that the filter works properly.
In 2017 it warned state institutions in charge of providing water that they should provide more information to communities so they have more clarity.
“People are still uncertain.” The concerns aren’t in vain.
That’s why AyA says it keeps a monthly registry of arsenic levels in aqueducts like Falconiana (which supplies Bagatzi) and Quintas don Miguel.
This is lacking in Bagatzí and Quintas Don Miguel because, according to the institution, residents haven’t requested it.
“Sometimes we call AyA’s office in Bagaces to ask why there is no water, but no one answers,” says Maricela Boniche.
This new aqueduct will substitute the source of drinking water for residents in communities affected by arsenic.