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More than just arsenic: 370 community water systems are contaminated – report

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September 18th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) A new report by the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) indicates that 370 community-operated water systems in the country are contaminated with microbiological and other elements in excess of allowed limits.

 

The findings were made during an investigation by the National Water Laboratory, part of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), conducted in 2012, but analyzed and released by the Comptroller only recently.  The new revelations are in addition to the arsenic contamination in some 24 communities. 

 

In addition to other areas, contamination was found to be present in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and the Central Pacific.

 

In addition to excessive microbiological contamination, reports indicate contamination by agrochemicals, grey water, excessive amounts of iron and calcium, and hydrocarbons.

 

According to reports, the problem is in large part due to insufficient water treatment.

 

As many as 1,350 systems are not chlorinated at all.  Those that do treat their water and were visited by the Comptroller General said they have never received the advice of AyA in regards to proper dosage or treatment methods.  Operators who do chlorinate their supplies use a number of varying methods, from chlorination pills, sodium chloride and liquid chlorine.

 

AyA has not responded to the Comptroller’s report.

 

Related Stories: 

Study: Cilantro helps purify polluted water

AyA gets authorization to spend $2 million to treat arsenic contaminated water

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  • disgusted

    In area of arsenic levels above a certain standard should not be used as drinking water. Some area residence boil their water saying it kill the microorganisms however boiling does NOT reduce the arsenic and in fact makes a higher concentration.

    The only effective way is absorption method and for most here for individual household very expensive. This problem not going away anytime soon. I suspect the water in many areas are very high. This can cause our children long term effects. I hope this is taken seriously and treatment and containment and elimination starts NOW!.

    As a side note many business have a big bottle of water for their customers. However many just refill it at night with tap water so your not drinking filter clean water . This should be a national priority.

  • Aitor Xaranga

    This is truly alarming! Oh the wonders of monopolistic water distribution run by unaccountable bureaucrats! Until you have seen a lab analysis of the water in your community: 1. Stick to bottled drinking water. 2. Stay away from recycled super-sized containers. 3. Buy local (i.e. Cristal) brands to guarantee freshness, as Heredia’s volcanic aquifer is the purest in CR and why the brewery is located there). 4. No still bottled water in an emergency, use Club Soda!

  • PublicEnemy2u

    Maybe the Chinese will help …. for a cut of the clean water and support in the UN

  • Randy Adcock

    Why don’t they list the communities involved?

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