I found out early on that Costa Rica has quality drinking water that is safe to drink in most places anywhere in Costa Rica. Costa Rica water ranks amongst the best in the world. Back in the day, I used to vacation in Mexico, and I never drank water from the tap; it was always bottled water at events and restaurants. Perhaps today, Mexico’s water is much better and safer to drink.  But here in Costa Rica, it’s a different story.  We filter our water from the tap at home, and  I’m especially keen on drinking only alkaline water. I purchased a purification pitcher from Amazon long before moving to Costa Rica that turns your tap water into alkaline water that is much better for your health and well-being.  From health reports and information that I’ve learned over the years, your body should maintain a 7.2 alkaline level for good health.  I even measure my PH from time to time.  The unit I bought from Amazon is called Invigorated Water Filtration System. It comes with a unique water pitcher and filters that last approximately 6 months before changing.  The benefits of using the unit are:  balance your PH, detoxify your body, remove heavy metals, add in minerals, improve food and drink, and reduce waste and save money. I even purchased a 26-ounce travel bottle that contains an alkaline filter. Bottled water is readily available and recommended to those with sensitive stomachs.

The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), since 1961, has been an essential part of the drinking water coordination through the construction of the sanitary sewer systems for the San Jose Metropolitan Area as well as the inauguration of multiple aqueducts all across the country. Most of the cities water is well managed and maintained, but that doesn’t mean that you get the same quality everywhere. So, you should be cautious in some regions of the country. Certain areas of Costa Rica do not have water treatment and use recycled tap water for showers and washing hands and toilets. I don’t recommend drinking tap water in some rural, remote, or underdeveloped areas, although most hotels in these areas serve filtered water.

Here in Costa Rica, water resources are vital. Water is Costa Rica’s most abundant natural resource, yet shortages in some areas have forced the country to manage this resource more carefully. Only the government of Costa Rica can authorize the use of its water resources. If you’re buying or building a house, you should fully understand the water rights, as spelled out to you in detail by your attorney.  Look into how the local municipality grants building permits, as this process can vary widely among Costa Rica’s 81 cantons.