Challenges in communal water supply: The case of the Chitaría community aqueduct

Drinking water supply is essential for both domestic and industrial development. Effective management requires a comprehensive understanding of the system, including infrastructure, resources, and users. It is crucial to establish adequate governance of water resources, encompassing all necessary processes to make informed decisions and execute actions that ensure the effective management and provision of services to the community, in compliance with legal, social, environmental, and economic regulations (Centro de Derecho Ambiental y Recursos Naturales, 2013). In Costa Rica, approximately 95% of the urban population has access to good-quality water; however, deficiencies in supply persist in rural areas. While large distributors possess the necessary resources and technology, the challenges are more pronounced in these rural regions (Soto, Gaviria & Pino, 2016). A key recommendation is to conduct studies aimed at developing a system of indicators and monitoring tools to evaluate the performance of communal organizations. This would facilitate the identification of gaps and enable the quantification of the effectiveness of the measures adopted, assisting decision-makers in setting verifiable goals and enhancing accountability (Gentes, 2009). A detailed diagnosis is crucial for identifying areas of improvement in the operation and management of the system (United Nations Water, 2021). This analysis, which includes the creation of cadastres for networks and users, is fundamental for optimizing the operation of aqueducts (Ziegler et al., 2011; Muñoz Martos & Rueda Rincón, 2017). Hydraulic parameter tests, combined with the cadastre, allow for hydraulic modelling that reflects the system’s behaviour. Additionally, data regarding the operational and administrative management of the aqueduct is collected and analysed, involving both users and collaborators from the provider. The diagnosis conducted for the Chitaría community aqueduct included a topographic survey using GNSS technology, the creation of a Geographic Information System (GIS), and measurements of flow and pressure. EPANET modelling identified critical areas with low pressure, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements such as the installation of hydrants and regulating valves. Regarding administrative management, processes that have not been fully complied with were identified, which are priorities for enhancing service quality. An important challenge is the culture and involvement of users, leading to illegal connections and unreported situations, influenced by the Municipality’s oversight of the aqueduct. In conclusion, the aqueduct faces challenges in multiple areas, from administrative issues to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of metering equipment, all of which negatively impact water supply. A comprehensive strategy that includes the reconstruction of the aqueduct is recommended.