Thousands in Escazu, Santa Ana, and Desamparados could see water rationing up to 12 hours per day beginning later this month

January 7^th, 2016 (ICR News) Tens of thousands if not more households in Escazu, Santa Ana, Salitral, and Desamparados – an estimated 150,000 people – are expected to begin suffering from water rationing toward the end of this month, according to the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), who said those affected could expect to be without water between 6 and 12 hours per day.

AyA said that the rationing would be the result of a decrease in aquifer levels and “excessive consumption” of water by its customers.

Ultimately, the rationing could end up affecting more than 500,000 people throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), AyA said.

The institute is urging customers in the affected areas and throughout the GAM to be as frugal as possible with their water use.

AyA first warned of the impending water shortages in September of last year, when it estimated that such rationing could continue into July 2016 and affect some 700,000 people.