6227:
"(...) Article 284.- The procedure may be initiated ex officio or at the request of a party, or only at the request of a party when the law expressly or unequivocally so provides (...)".
On this matter, through Legal Opinion OJ-103-2001 of July 24, 2001, the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic (Procuraduría General de la República, PGR) conducted an analysis of article 30 of Law No. 7593 and article 284 of the LGAP. In this regard, in what is relevant, it stated:
"(.) Both article 30 of Law 7593 and article 284 of the LGAP simply establish the ways of initiating administrative procedures, which can be initiated either at the request of a party, as a direct derivation of the right of petition enshrined in article 27 of the Political Constitution, or ex officio, when expressly required by law or when the public interest so requires. It is not, then, (...), the consecration of a discretionary power. On the contrary, the ex officio initiation of administrative procedures shall constitute a regulated power to the extent that there is an express provision of the law in that sense or, as previously indicated, reasons of public interest demand it. The interested party could request the Authority to carry out the ordinary setting, but that action is not indispensable, since Aresep can carry out the setting ex officio (...)".
By virtue of the foregoing and under the protection of the cited regulations—which highlight the faculty of the Regulatory Authority to carry out ordinary modifications ex officio, granting the respective public hearing—the Water Superintendency has the faculty to determine if the ex officio setting of tariffs is appropriate for the satisfaction of the public interest, as well as the harmonization of interests between providers and users as indicated by Law No. 7593 itself. All the foregoing in accordance with the principles of legality, official initiative, public interest, financial equilibrium, cost-of-service, continuity, environmental sustainability, reasonableness of tariffs, and price control.
Consequently, the Water Superintendency is competent to technically analyze the appropriateness of carrying out an ex officio tariff adjustment for public services related to the water sector, following the tariff procedure regulated in Law No. 7593 and its respective Regulation.
Now, having demonstrated that the regulatory body has the power to analyze and determine whether or not a tariff adjustment is appropriate, it is important to note that Law No. 7593 itself establishes a series of requirements that form a necessary filter to access the tariff adjustment.
In this sense, article 33 of Law 7593 establishes as an obligation for the tariff adjustment to proceed, that the providers have complied (for which it is important that they prove it) with the provisions of previous tariff-setting resolutions or in previous interventions carried out by the regulatory body in the exercise of its powers.
For the sector relating to the Communal Aqueduct and Sewerage Systems Administrative Associations (Asadas), special emphasis is placed on compliance with what was mandated through resolutions RE-0010-IA-2024 of February 21, 2024, which requests information from the Asadas, and resolution RE-0011-IA-2024 of February 26, 2024, through which the Regulatory Quality Seal is implemented; as well as resolution RE-0010-IA-2025 "SIMPLIFICATION AND STANDARDIZATION OF THE GUIDELINES NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATORY QUALITY SEAL FOR PUBLIC AQUEDUCT AND SANITATION SERVICES IN THE COUNTRY ESTABLISHED THROUGH RESOLUTION RE-011-IA-2024" The fulfillment of the providers' obligations thus becomes a core element necessary for the tariff adjustment, given the verification duty of the regulatory entity in the materialization and exercise of the principle of legality that governs administrative action.
- C)On the Use of the Tariff Methodology for the Protection of the Water Resource (Metodología Tarifaria para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, MTPRH), Resolution RE-0098-JD-2023 By having a methodology for tariff settings corresponding to the protection of the water resource, which was published in the Official Gazette (Diario Oficial la Gaceta) on Monday, October 23, 2023, the Intendancy has a precise instrument for this type of setting, so the model will be perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Water Intendancy (Intendencia de Agua).
In this way, in Scope No. 201 of Gazette No. 195 of the year 2023, we can find in the Therefore (Por Tanto) the following:
1. General objective Establish a tariff methodology that defines the conditions so that aqueduct service providers can generate the income that allows them to cover the necessary costs to carry out projects aimed at the protection of the water resource.
2. Specific objectives a. Promote projects to improve the availability, sustainability, and quality of water in the supply sources of the water resource for the aqueducts of public service providers.
b. Contribute to the mitigation of the impact and adaptation to climate change on the supply sources of the water resource through the application of this regulatory instrument.
IV SCOPE The methodology has the following scope:
a. It applies to all ordinary tariff settings, for the protection of the water resource, whether in requests from service providers or in ex officio actions by the Regulatory Authority.
b. It applies to providers regulated by Aresep that provide aqueduct services, throughout the national territory; it does not consider municipalities.
c. It applies to the current tariff structure of the aqueduct service and therefore does not contemplate changes to said structure.
IV. OPERATIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSIS OF THE ASADAS
The Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, Aresep), frames the exercise of its competencies and powers based on Law No. 7593 and its Regulation, Decree No. 29732-MP, instruments according to which Aresep will be the institution in charge of regulating and supervising that public services are provided optimally, with adequate criteria of quality, continuity, timeliness, reliability, and price. The regulated services contemplate very diverse sectors such as remunerated transportation of persons, network infrastructure services such as energy supply, aqueducts, and sewerage, among others.
In accordance with the above, the Regulatory Policy of Aresep establishes a series of guidelines aimed at achieving public value, such as the principle of efficiency, which "requires correct planning, the maximization of available resources, rationality in the prioritization and allocation of expenditure and investment, the setting of standards, specialization, doing things well at the lowest possible cost." Likewise, the policy within its approaches establishes continuous improvement, which "promotes the constant improvement of institutional management, following best practices and the search for the frontier of knowledge for the development of a regulation adapted and timely to the context, following effective and efficient mechanisms valuing different regulatory approaches such as comparative regulation, seeking the scope of the public value of regulation." Additionally, said policy incorporates within its axes of intervention in the pillar of regulation that promotes efficiency, in specific objective 3, the following: Develop a regulation that provides the necessary signals to take the provision of public services towards the path of efficiency and effectiveness, both individually, by sector or industry, considering the principle of service at efficient cost, the application of comparative regulatory approaches, and the exercise of a timely regulatory model, supported by best practices and the articulation of policy instruments.
On the other hand, the Regulatory Policy on Access to Drinking Water and Wastewater Sanitation establishes as a technical objective the reduction of supply losses to drinking water consumers.
In light of the above, and as a complement to the scope of this tariff study, focused on defining a tariff signal for the water resource protection activity provided by the Communal Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales, Asadas), the aim is to define:
- i)A homogeneous tariff signal for all Asadas, which will contemplate the size, location, operational and administrative conditions, ii) a homogeneous tariff structure for the aqueduct services regulated by Aresep in which the tariff categories, consumption blocks, type and descriptions of each of the proposed tariffs are identified in accordance with Law No. 7593, the Public Policy, the Regulatory Policy and Norms defined by the Regulatory Authority, as well as consumption patterns, sector needs, and regulatory accounting.
- iii)A tariff structure that incorporates new modalities of service provision (residential time-of-use, bulk water, large residential water consumers) as well as the enablement of pre-paid aqueduct service.
In this sense, and in pursuit of generating the structural, operational, administrative, and tariff conditions necessary for the optimal provision of the aqueduct service by the Asadas, a more specific analysis of certain core aspects that affect the fulfillment of the principles of continuity, quality, quantity, and sustainability of the public service is carried out.
Among the aspects intended to be focused on in the analysis associated with the regulated public service are the following:
1. Participation of Asadas in the sector 2. Structural challenges of the Asadas 3. Operational weaknesses of the Asadas 4. Water losses in Asadas 5. Water availability in the Asadas 6. Supervision of water quality in the Asadas 7. Evolution of water resource protection tariffs over time 8. Tariff Structure in Asadas.
The relevance of this analysis, aside from having a baseline to determine the regulatory impact on the regulated aqueduct service provided by the Asadas, lies in having a tariff signal that responds to the signals of quality, continuity, quantity, and optimal provision of the service of interest, in accordance with the provisions of the Law of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services, Law No. 7593.
1. Participation of the Asadas in the sector According to the National Household Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Hogares, ENAHO), Costa Rica in 2023 had 5,261,853 inhabitants; this population must be served by the different public service providers of the country, always with the goal of achieving 100% national coverage.
In Costa Rica, in terms of drinking water and sanitation, the provision of said public service is carried out as follows:
. The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados) supplies 50% of the population and covers 7.50% of the national territory, . The Heredia Public Services Company (Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia) supplies 5% of the population and covers 0.16% of the national territory, . The Asadas offer service to 25% of the population and territorially, they cover 90.8%.
. The Municipalities supply 16% of the population and territorially cover 1.76%.
. The remaining uncovered percentage of the population (3.8%) is served by a series of committees or informal organizations or through individual solutions, as detailed in the following graph:
Graph No. 1 Asadas.
Costa Rica. Population according to aqueduct service provider.
July 2023 As observed in the previous graph, the Asadas as a whole are the second largest operator of aqueduct services in terms of population supplied; however, in terms of territorial coverage, the distribution is very different.
As can be seen in the following map, the Asadas are the largest operator in terms of territorial coverage, since, according to ENAHO information, the majority of the population served by AyA is located in urban areas where population density is higher (87.3%). In contrast, 63.6% of the population served by the Asadas is located in rural areas, which are characterized by having low or very low population density, and only 36.4% of their served population lives in urban areas. Given the above, it is of utmost importance that this group of operators carries out activities related to the protection of the water resource in order to ensure the sustainability of the resource over time to supply drinking water to future generations.
In the following map, the 8 Asadas that currently have approved water resource protection tariffs can be observed, which, although it is an effort that these operators have made to formalize the charge for carrying out protection activities, is not very significant compared to the 1372 Asadas providing the service. Given the above, it is of utmost importance to carry out a generalized tariff setting that provides resources to begin a data survey for the prioritization of restriction zones and vulnerability assessments in the springs (nacientes) and aquifers, establishing a baseline with a technical foundation to advance in the subsequent protection actions.
Map No. 2 Asadas.
Water sources 2023 According to the data analyzed, only 8 Asadas nationwide have an approved tariff for the protection of the water resource, representing only 0.58% of the total of 1372 existing Asadas in the country. These Asadas are: the Asada Río Blanco in Limón, the Asada El Tanque in San Carlos, the Asada La Argentina in Pocora, the Asada Sucre in San Carlos, the Asada Río Celeste in San Carlos, the Asada Aguas Zarcas in San Carlos, the Asada Rosales in Desamparados, Alajuela, and the Asada San Juan de Puriscal in San José. In contrast, the remaining 99.42% of Asadas do not have a formal tariff scheme for the protection of the water resource, which highlights a significant gap in the implementation of mechanisms aimed at the conservation of this resource.
Although Costa Rica is a privileged country in terms of the availability of water sources, as can be seen in map 2, where the abundance of resources is evident, the current situation generates significant concern. This situation highlights the urgency of adopting generalized measures that promote the systematic protection of aquifers and springs (nacientes) throughout the national territory, thus guaranteeing their long-term sustainability. Given the above, it is essential to move towards a generalized tariff setting that allows obtaining the necessary resources to identify, with scientific foundations, the restriction zones and evaluate the vulnerability of water sources. These actions will not only contribute to establishing a baseline with a technical foundation but will also allow the implementation of effective protection strategies that ensure continuous, timely, and quality access to drinking water, especially in rural communities served by the Asadas.
In addition to guaranteeing access to drinking water for thousands of inhabitants, these associations dedicate significant efforts to the conservation of water sources, the protection of watersheds, and the promotion of sustainable practices in their communities. Their work includes key activities such as reforestation, water quality monitoring, environmental education, and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid the contamination of water sources.
In this context, the protection of the water resource must be seen as a fundamental pillar for the country's sustainable development. Although it is currently a relatively abundant resource, the lack of concrete actions and effective conservation mechanisms could cause its disappearance in the future, which would severely affect communities and environmental balance. Below, maps of the water sources by region are shown.
Map No. 3 Asadas.
Water sources 2023 Map No. 4 Asadas.
Water sources 2023 Map No. 5 Asadas.
Water sources 2023 Map No. 6 Asadas.
Water sources 2023 Map No. 7 Asadas.
Water sources 2023 When disaggregating the Asadas by size according to the number of subscribers, the Asada comprised of the subscriber range between 151 and 300 shows the highest frequency with 21.05% of the total; in a second order are the Asadas comprised of between 50 and 100 subscribers with 17.33%, and in a third order are those with fewer than 50 subscribers with 15%.
Additionally, 77% of the Asadas have fewer than 500 subscribers. Only 7.57% of the Asadas are in the range above 1000 units. The "NA" category, which represents data not available or not applicable, covers 3.71%.
Graph No. 2 Asadas.
Costa Rica. Asadas according to their subscriber range.
Period 2023 ND: no information.
Source: Water Intendancy, Aresep with data from SAGA - AyA.
In the following table, the Asadas are presented, their location, taking the office as a reference, and by subscriber range. It is observed that the province of Alajuela has the highest number of Asadas (327), followed by Guanacaste (289) and San José (259), while the province of Heredia presents the lowest number with 42 Asadas. It is relevant to note that 43 of the 104 Asadas that register more than 1000 subscribers are located in the province of Alajuela.
Table No. 1 Asadas.
Costa Rica. Asadas according to subscriber range by province.
Period 2023 Subscriber Range San José Alajuela Cartago Heredia Guanacaste Puntarenas Limón Total
| Absolute Figures | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 0-50 | 56 | 20 | 15 | 0 | 62 | 39 | 14 | 206 |
| 50-100 | 63 | 35 | 22 | 7 | 66 | 32 | 13 | 238 |
| 101-150 | 30 | 34 | 17 | 4 | 45 | 28 | 16 | 174 |
| 151-300 | 45 | 74 | 27 | 9 | 61 | 40 | 33 | 289 |
| 301-500 | 14 | 51 | 15 | 4 | 19 | 28 | 21 | 152 |
| 501-1000 | 21 | 66 | 20 | 2 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 159 |
| Greater than 1000 | 10 | 43 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 7 | 104 |
| ND | 20 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 51 |
| Total | 259 | 327 | 132 | 42 | 289 | 204 | 120 | 1373 |
| Relative Figures (%) | | | | | | | | |
| 0-50 | 21.62% | 6.12% | 11.36% | 0.00% | 21.45% | 19.12% | 11.67% | 15.00% |
| 50-100 | 24.32% | 10.70% | 16.67% | 16.67% | 22.84% | 15.69% | 10.83% | 17.33% |
| 101-150 | 11.58% | 10.40% | 12.88% | 9.52% | 15.57% | 13.73% | 13.33% | 12.67% |
| 151-300 | 17.37% | 22.63% | 20.45% | 21.43% | 21.11% | 19.61% | 27.50% | 21.05% |
| 301-500 | 5.41% | 15.60% | 11.36% | 9.52% | 6.57% | 13.73% | 17.50% | 11.07% |
| 501-1000 | 8.11% | 20.18% | 15.15% | 4.76% | 6.23% | 8.33% | 12.50% | 11.58% |
| Greater than 1000 | 3.86% | 13.15% | 10.61% | 21.43% | 2.08% | 7.35% | 5.83% | 7.57% |
| ND | 7.72% | 1.22% | 1.52% | 16.67% | 4.15% | 2.45% | 0.83% | 3.71% |
| Total | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
ND: no information.
Source: Water Intendancy, Aresep with data from SAGA-AyA.
2. Structural challenges of the Asadas 2.1 The Asadas as entities that provide a service by delegation.
The Constitutive Law of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA), Law No. 2726 of April 14, 1961, and its amendments, recognized in its Article 2.g the possibility that the Institute may agree with local organizations on the joint administration of the water service.
Thus, by the year 1989, the constructive responsibility in rural communities at the Institute was assumed by the Construction Directorate (Dirección de Construcción, DICO), which administered the Community Aid Program through a specific Department.
Subsequently, by the end of 1990, the process of building water supply systems was strengthened, with a parallel process of training and guidance to the communities, in addition to the establishment of legally constituted entities, which now assume the provision of the service in a delegated manner, through an agreement signed with AyA.
In that context, as of December 2000, the Regulation of the Associations Administering Aqueduct and Sewerage Systems (Asadas) was promulgated, through Executive Decree No. 29100-S of November 9, 2000, published in Gazette No. 231 of December 1, 2000, formally establishing a series of norms that favor and strengthen the delegation of the administration, operation, maintenance, and development of the systems to the Asadas, financing their operation with the resources coming from the tariffs authorized by Aresep for the service they themselves provide. This Regulation has been subject to modifications, the one currently in force being the Regulation of the Asadas, Executive Decree 42582-S-MINAE published on September 4, 2020, in the Official Gazette La Gaceta No. 223, Scope No. 233.
This delegation came to operate based on Article 2 of the Constitutive Law of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA) itself, No. 2726, according to which "The institution is empowered to agree with local organizations on the administration of such services or administer them through administrative boards of mixed integration between the Institute and the respective communities, whenever it is agreed upon for the better provision of the services and in accordance with the respective regulations." What this authorization does is allow the delegation of the responsibility to administer the aqueduct and/or sanitary sewerage system to the Asadas, on which the Constitutional Chamber (Sala Constitucional) has pronounced, indicating that it is a "clear figure of concession of public service management, in which -despite the silence of the law on this particular- it is incontestable that the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage must retain, unavoidably, the powers of supervision and intervention necessary to guarantee the validity of the fundamental principles of public service, namely: continuity, efficiency, adaptation, and equality in the treatment of users (Article 4 of the General Law of Public Administration)." (Ruling No. 2006-01651 of sixteen hours and thirty-nine minutes of February fourteenth, two thousand six).
However, despite the silence of Law No. 2726, the current Regulation of the Asadas, No. 42582-S-MINAE imposes on AyA as the delegating body, the obligation to exercise all activities proper to the control, surveillance, supervision, evaluation, standardization, sectoral planning of the drinking water and wastewater sanitation services, and direction of the management carried out by the Asadas (Article 3).
Also, this Regulation No. 42582-S-MINAE enshrines the duty of AyA to supervise the provision of the service by the Asadas, as well as to advise them in the provision of said service. (Articles 28 subsections e), f) and k), 31 subsection c), 35, 37 subsections e), f), h) and l), 47 subsection g), 49, 52 subsections b) and c), 60 and 64 subsection c).
It is worth highlighting that, based on the power given to AyA by Law No. 2726, to delegate the operation of the service, at the country level, an important change occurred in the administration and organization of rural aqueducts, as the transformation of the Rural Aqueduct Administrative Committees (Comités Administradores de Acueductos Rurales, CAAR), governed by Law No. 3859 on Community Development, into Asadas was established, in accordance with the Associations Law No. 218, of August 8, 1939, duly registered in the Registry of Associations.
Note that the transformation that occurred and the fact that the Asadas provide a public service does not delegitimize their nature as private legal entities, as long as their creation and operation are governed by the Associations Law to which they must submit to the requirements and demands required by said regulation.
It is noted that since 2008, through opinion C-061-2008 of March 4, the Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de la República) had recognized that the Asadas "constitute legal entities of a private nature that carry out activities of public interest as they provide the community with a public service -which does not modify their private character that, as such, must be organized in accordance with the guidelines established in the Associations Law." To elaborate further, the Attorney General's Office in its opinion C-131-2022 reiterated that, despite being a private legal entity, in attention to the purposes of said associations, the activity of the Asadas is of public interest, as they provide a public service to the community.
It is in this context of the public interest that the developed activity holds that the legislator has sought to create a series of tools in pursuit of facilitating the provision of the service by the Asadas, given the responsibility they have to provide a public service under adequate conditions of quality, continuity, and reliability.
In fact, the Attorney General's Office recognizes in the cited opinion, when analyzing the statement of motives of bill 17375, which served as a prelude to Law 8776, that it can be deduced from it that the legislator's intention with that general declaration of public interest was that the Asadas would have the capacity to have financial resources to face the responsibility of supplying and administering the drinking water service (folio 3 of the statement of motives). In this sense, the proponents considered that the Asadas "lack economic resources to develop the effective work delegated by the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (sic), a task they assume free of charge, with worn and obsolete infrastructures, which currently need to be renovated and whose maintenance cost is quite high and in most cases, local income is insufficient to cover such demands" (folio 4).
It was as a result of that detected need that the general declaration of public interest of the Asadas and their tax exemption was issued, which was later reinforced upon the approval of Law No. 10075 of December 15, 2021, which intended this exemption broadly, including the payment of stamps and fees, value-added tax, and property tax. Likewise, they were exempted from any payment for environmental canon and discharge canon, administered by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), as well as from the regulatory canon by Aresep and from any selective consumption tax and import taxes on vehicles, equipment, and work materials (Articles 2 and 3 of Law 8776 and its amendment).
Although the previous examples were efforts and actions carried out in the right direction, the truth is that in practice they have fallen short in providing the Asadas with the necessary tools so that they can, motu proprio, carry out adequate management of the public service that has been entrusted to them.
2.2 Delegation Agreement As has been described above, by virtue of the authorization granted by the legislator to AyA in Article 2 subsection g of Law No. 2726, the Asadas at a formal level become administrators of public activities, once they sign the delegation agreement with AyA.
However, notwithstanding the above, even when the Institute delegates the administration, operation, maintenance, and development of the aqueduct and sanitary sewerage systems, it cannot delegate the supervision of the performance of the Asadas, including the legal, financial, and accounting areas, among others. It must be remembered that AyA is also subject to the control exercised by the Comptroller General of the Republic (Contraloría General de la República, hereinafter CGR).
It is worth noting that previously, by regulatory provision, the Delegation Agreement signed by AyA with the Asadas had to be endorsed by the CGR prior to its entry into force. However, through Resolution No. 05916 DCA-1915, of June 8, 2007, issued by the Administrative Contracting Division of the CGR, it states that the delegation agreements signed by AyA with the Asadas are excluded from the endorsement procedure of the comptroller entity.
Currently, since this requirement of CGR endorsement was eliminated, the level of control that exists regarding the delegation of service provision to new Asadas is somewhat disorderly, giving rise to situations where a new Association is enabled to provide the service to a community with an insufficient number of inhabitants for the sustainability of the service.
It should be remembered that in practice the main source of income that these associations have is the tariff set by Aresep and paid by the users of the public service. This is because the Asadas cannot pursue profit as part of their activity, since according to the provisions of Article 7 of the Regulation of the Asadas No. 42582-SMINAE, they must "have as their sole and specific purposes: the provision of drinking water supply and wastewater sanitation services, contribute to the integrated management of the water resource, and provide the hydrant service by special law" 3. Operational weaknesses of the Asadas According to report IN-0109-IA-2021, the Water Intendancy conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis aimed at classifying the Asadas according to particular characteristics, and applying statistical processes allowed grouping them as homogeneously as possible, and this would serve as a comparison point between the Asadas and as an input to develop regulatory instruments that help assign tariffs and goals according to each group and generate mechanisms to promote such improvements.
For the cluster analysis, the information reported in the SAGA-AyA of 1373 Asadas was taken; only 12 variables that were well represented were used; four groups were obtained as the optimal number for the analysis, named cluster A, B, C, and D. Cluster A was defined as the group with the best results in practically all variables, through to cluster D which has the lowest levels compared to the group in the majority of variables; clusters B and C represent Asadas with intermediate conditions according to those variables.
Although in the cluster analysis conducted, only 2 variables associated with the aqueduct infrastructure could be included, the Water Intendancy, through supervisions, field verifications, and monitoring, has detected differences in aspects such as management, operation, and available infrastructure. This demonstrates the responsibility as a regulator to enhance, through regulatory mechanisms, the improvement or strengthening of the sector's aqueducts, providing specific resources that allow the Asadas to have a sustainable aqueduct system that guarantees quality.
In addition to the analysis described in the previous paragraph, through the collection of information for the update of the Asadas aqueduct tariff and as a result of the non-compliance in the presentation of the information requested for the fulfillment of the Regulatory Quality Seal provided in resolution RE-0011-IA-2024, the Water Intendancy at the end of 2024 conducted supervisions of some of the Asadas in cluster A, identifying problems such as the following:
. Lack of information and understanding regarding the information that must be submitted to the Intendancy.
. Lack of financial statements and anomalies in the recording of accounting accounts.
. Lack of auxiliary records that allow greater detail of accounting records.
. Discrepancies between the income reported in the billing systems and that recorded in the financial statements.
. Use of resources from the aqueduct tariff in water resource protection activities.
. Charges not authorized by Aresep as part of the billing for regulated services.
. Use of resources from the aqueduct tariff in the purchase of properties in the absence of technical studies that demonstrate their suitability for purposes of protection and conservation of the water resource for human supply.
. Lack of accounting separation between regulated activities.
Given the above, and although each aqueduct and system has particular characteristics, the infrastructure, technology, planning, and inputs are directly related to the operation, quality, and reliability of the public service. For this reason, the Regulatory Entity expects that each operator will have, at some point and whenever technically feasible, at least the following elements:
. Hydrological, hydrogeological, and socioeconomic studies . Computer equipment.
. Appropriate vehicle, machinery, and tools.
. Warehouse.
. Appropriate intake structures.
. Monitoring and control of sources.
. Level measurement and overflow control systems.
. Remote monitoring and control system . Water loss management program.
. Advanced metering infrastructure.
. Security and emergency alert systems.
. Communication equipment.
. Enclosures.
Currently, a large number of Asadas in cluster "A" have some of the elements listed above, given their management capacity and resources; however, they still have room for improvement in pursuit of reducing water losses and rational use of the resource, among others.
The Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales, Asadas) play an essential role in the management and distribution of drinking water for our communities. However, a recurring challenge is the lack of knowledge about the characteristics and vulnerabilities of the aquifers that feed their systems, the characteristics of the subsoil, and the dynamics that influence the quality and quantity of the available water resource.
This lack of knowledge generates significant risks, since the intakes and springs (nacientes) are exposed to multiple vulnerabilities: contamination by human activities, decreased flows due to climatic changes, and depletion due to inadequate or unplanned exploitation. Each of these threats compromises not only the sustainability of the resource but also the well-being of the communities that depend on it.
For this reason, incorporating hydrological and/or hydrogeological studies is not a luxury but an urgent necessity. These studies allow us to understand how the aquifer is recharged, what its extraction capacity is, and what the potential threats to its stability are. Furthermore, they help identify critical areas that require immediate protection and design strategies for the efficient and sustainable use of water.
With this information, the Asadas will be able to make informed decisions, better protect their sources, and guarantee the continuity and quality of the service for future generations. Because caring for water is caring for life, and with adequate knowledge, we can do it more effectively.
As the Asadas that make up the other clusters are analyzed, deficiencies in human, financial, and material resources are observed, which have a direct impact on the management of the aqueduct and the public service.
According to report IN-0109-IA-2021, a series of target objectives were defined for each of the clusters; this process represents the basis for improvement for the Asadas, which contemplate a series of investments according to each cluster, which contribute to improving the service provided and income. For example, the 100% implementation of service micro-metering and a good record of subscribers and the application of the authorized rate will allow service providers to quantify consumption more accurately, define cross-controls between billing income and the consumption recorded by each subscriber.
The proposal developed in this report incorporates some objective elements set out for the different clusters in accordance with report IN-0109-IA-2021, in order to generate, in the medium term, a substantial improvement in their operational and management capacities.
4. Water Losses in the Asadas Non-Revenue Water (Agua no Contabilizada, ANC) is a term used to describe water that is lost or not recorded in water supply systems. According to Alegre et al. (2018), it is the difference between the annual volume entering the system and the billed authorized consumption. In this sense, unbilled water includes real losses and apparent losses, as well as unbilled authorized consumption.
Water can be lost for various reasons, which are generally classified into two main groups:
a. Physical or real losses, which are those that prevent water from reaching customers, such as leaks in pipes, damage to pipelines, obsolescence of materials, etc., b. Apparent or commercial losses, which is water that reaches subscribers but, for various reasons, is not billed, resulting from illegal connections, measurement errors, water theft, special permits for unbilled connections in precarious settlements, or others.
The following graph presents the behavior of the ANC percentage of the Asadas for which an individual rate study has been conducted, whether for Aqueduct, Sewerage, or Rate for the Protection of the Water Resource (Tarifa para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) services. Additionally, the ANC average of the operators that make up the Association of Drinking Water and Sanitation Regulatory Entities of the Americas (Asociación de Entes Reguladores de Agua Potable y Saneamiento de las Américas, ADERASA) is attached, with the objective of visualizing the gap between similarly sized drinking water operators.
Graph No. 2 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Percentage of water loss (ANC) in the network for Asadas with individual rate studies.
Period 2021-2024 As can be observed, it is evident in this case that drinking water service providers in recent years have presented percentages of water losses well above the average of operators registered by ADERASA.
In this sense, for a service user, the existence of significant water loss records has short-, medium-, and long-term implications, as these distort the average price, transferring a series of productive inefficiencies to the cost and expense structure of the service, leading to excessive expenses and investment. This is because not only must there be sufficient water, hydraulic, and storage capacity to capture, convey, and distribute a flow of which only about 30% has been billed, but also the problem of unavailability of water necessary to meet current and future demand must be dealt with, translating this into inevitable problems of service continuity due to inefficient use of the resource, which is finite.
In the medium and long term, the sector's efforts must focus on trying to maintain a balance of the resource in the aquifers and not generate water stress; this is to minimize the risk of salinization, contamination, and drying up of the aquifers.
It is the responsibility of providers to carry out responsible and controlled extraction that includes monitoring and metering of the resource, including the installation of meters at the springs (nacientes), ensuring that this does not exceed the recharge of the resource. This is essential, considering that current efforts to improve service coverage and continuity are aimed at addressing vegetative growth and unsatisfied demand.
In addition, the existence of excessive loss levels forces the extraction of flows greater than those utilized, whether from surface or underground sources, which generates an overexploitation of the resource beyond the real needs of users, as well as significant impacts and consequences. Therefore, the proposed rate setting must balance the provider's interest in serving the public service with the user's interest in receiving it with quality and continuity, but affordably and sustainably over time. For which, having a new rate structure for the sector must go hand in hand with the necessary investments to reduce the incidence of water losses and control the supply and demand of the water resource.
In conclusion, having technical studies that allow us to understand the aquifers from which the Asadas' water intakes are fed, their recharge zones, their vulnerability and risk of contamination, and their recharge behavior that allows for responsible extraction of the resource, is why having fresh resources for these activities is one of the main reasons for this rate analysis.
5. Availability of drinking water in the Asadas The "Report on the availability of drinking water service in Costa Rica 2023" by the General Directorate of User Service (Dirección General de Atención al Usuario, DGAU) of Aresep, based on a random sample of 411 Asadas, has revealed the lack of water capacity as one of the most relevant reasons for the rejection of drinking water service requests. This reason is identified as the third most frequent cause of rejection nationwide, with a total of 60 rejections distributed unevenly among the different regions of the country.
Graph No. 3 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Distribution of ASADAS according to reason for rejection Source: Report on the availability of drinking water service in Costa Rica 2023, DGAU.
The stacked bar chart, presenting the reasons for rejection by region, clearly reflects that, although lack of piping and lack of infrastructure are also prominent reasons, the lack of water capacity is a crucial factor affecting regions such as the Central Region and the Central Pacific, with 20 rejections each for this cause. In contrast, in the Huetar Caribe and Huetar Norte regions, the impact of the lack of water capacity is much lower, with only 4 and 0 rejections, respectively.
This suggests that some areas face greater difficulties in terms of water resource availability, possibly due to high demand or the depletion of surface sources such as springs (nacientes). It is important to note that 65.29% of Asadas depend on springs (nacientes) as their main source of supply, which highlights the vulnerability of these sources to seasonal variability in water catchment.
According to the data presented, only 52.58% of Asadas have conducted water capacity studies with technical advice from AyA, which points to disparities in the planning and management of the resource at the regional level. This outlook underscores the urgent need to strengthen technical analyses and sustainability strategies to avoid a greater number of rejections due to insufficient water capacity. The growing demand, coupled with the overexploitation of water resources in some regions, highlights the importance of improving infrastructure and optimizing water resource management to ensure adequate coverage of drinking water service nationwide. If adequate measures are not taken, the situation could worsen over time, mainly affecting the areas with the greatest demand pressure.
6. Oversight of water quality in the Asadas In the context of Quality Oversight in Asadas, the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, ARESEP) has been implementing a Program for the Verification of the Quality of Drinking Water provided by the different operators of supply systems in the country since 2013, based on the functions conferred upon ARESEP by Ley N°7593, specifically Article 5, which establishes ensuring the ". compliance with quality, quantity, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision standards." When considering water production sources (Springs (Nacientes), Wells, Rivers) as a fundamental part of the aqueduct service, and coupled with their exposure to various emerging contaminants such as agrochemicals or hydrocarbons that put water quality at risk, the allocation of resources to complement quality programs in the aqueduct service is required, with an approach oriented towards the protection of the water resource.
In addition to the impact from emerging contaminants, it is known that in several areas of the country, water supply sources are affected by factors of mineral origin, such as the presence of iron, manganese, arsenic, and aluminum, or also impacts resulting from climatic conditions that produce non-conformity in parameters such as apparent color or turbidity, not to mention fecal contamination resulting from livestock activities.
Therefore, within the quality control plan, aqueduct service operators must allocate the necessary resources to maintain a record of water quality at the production sources, which allows complementing hydrological and/or hydrogeological studies for decision-making for the protection of the water resource, or failing that, the search for new supply sources to replace those that have been affected by a contaminant and whose integrity has been compromised.
Thus, the present rate proposal for the protection of the water resource must recognize those quality analyses to be carried out at the water sources.
In the context of Quality Oversight in Asadas, the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP) has been implementing a Program for the Verification of the Quality of Drinking Water provided by the different operators of supply systems in the country since 2013, based on the functions conferred upon ARESEP by Ley N°7593, specifically Article 5, which establishes ensuring the ". compliance with quality, quantity, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision standards." 7. Evolution of rates for the protection of the water resource over time.
Regarding the rate signals for the water resource protection service provided by the Asadas, the figure below shows the evolution that has occurred in terms of the settings made by the Intendancy until the 8 that are currently in force. In this, it is observed that the first Asada to finalize the request for this rate was Río Blanco de Limón, which was carried out in 2021; starting from this, various approaches have been made with Asadas interested in submitting the request, and currently around 5 additional Asadas are in process in addition to the rates already set.
Figure No. 1 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Rate settings for the water resource protection service Period 2021-2024.
Because the rate settings are quite recent, no factor of loss of purchasing power that could affect the Asadas that have the corresponding setting has yet been identified. However, taking into account the population of Asadas existing in the country mentioned previously, there is a great visible risk regarding the financial capacity of the operators that have not processed this rate request, that the conservation of the water resource is not within their investment plans or even that resources from other services are used for this purpose, causing impacts on the quality, availability, and quantity of the service provided by these Asadas.
The graph below presents the rate projections corresponding to the settings already mentioned for the period 2025-2027; in this, important variations in the rates of these Asadas are highlighted. For example, while the rates of some, such as Asada San Juan de Puriscal, show sustained growth, others, such as Asada El Tanque, present a drastic drop towards 2027; this mainly responds to the five-year investment plans in water resource protection of each operator, their cost structure, and also the expected growth in both subscribers and consumption.
In turn, this disparate behavior demonstrates the complexity of rate adjustments and the urgency of guaranteeing sufficient income for the maintenance and improvement of services.
Graph No. 1 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Rate Projection 2025-2027 of ASADAS with a Focus on Water Resource Protection 8. Rate Structure in Asadas The rate structure is defined as the instrument through which prices are established according to the type of consumer, geographic area, demand periods, or according to other distinctions when applicable, this set of prices being what allows obtaining service income.
This tool is composed of rate categories that discriminate consumers according to their characteristics and the uses given to the service demanded by subscribers, according to the intensity with which they have used the service, which was defined by resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments. This rate scheme allows recovering the necessary income for the Asadas through a progressive and equitable approach.
a. Type of rate The type of rate with which the transfer of costs and expenses associated with the provision of the water resource protection service is carried out is done through a variable charge, which is the amount that the user must pay for each unit of water consumed or service utilization, and this responds to the need derived from the operator's operation and maintenance costs for optimal and efficient service provision.
b. Rate categories Rate categories allow classifying subscribers according to their properties in the use of the service and the conditions under which they are when making the demand for it. The rate categories are as follows:
- Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial, T-Re): includes dwelling houses and apartments intended for the exclusive use of permanent or long-stay lodging (sleeping, basic needs and personal hygiene, preparing and consuming food).
- Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores, T-GC): applies to all large consumers of the aqueduct service (vertical and horizontal condominiums, apartments, housing estates for both residential and mixed use) whose consumption is measured by means of a macro-meter by the service provider, in accordance with the Technical Regulation in force by Aresep.
- Commerce and Services Rate (Tarifa de Comercio y Servicios, T-CS): Incorporates companies classified in the commerce or services sector, according to the classification of economic activities (ISIC code); in these establishments, the aqueduct service is used for the purpose of selling finished products or providing services. This category also applies to all government establishments including the Central Government and community centers (halls), except hospitals, clinics, and Ebais, public companies, and decentralized Institutions.
Furthermore, it must be applied to the supply of drinking water in motels, hotels, or short-stay lodging (vacation accommodations), private hospitals and clinics, and other establishments related to lucrative activities that require a municipal license to operate.
Drinking water consumption for common areas that have their own metering.
- Industry Rate (Tarifa Industria, T-In): Applies to companies classified in the industrial sector according to the classification of economic activities (ISIC code) used by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Central de Costa Rica, BCCR). The service is used for the purpose of manufacturing products from raw materials or assembling them for sale.
- Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial, T-Pre): includes activities of a social nature, which are registered with legal status. This category comprises the following activities:
Education: only for educational centers belonging to the state public education sector (preschool education centers, primary education schools, special education schools, secondary education colleges, technical secondary education colleges, university colleges, universities, and public libraries, including facilities dedicated exclusively to public educational activity). Excluded from these categories are restaurants, snack bars, student residences, photocopy centers, and others; even if they are in the name of educational entities, they will not enjoy this rate and must be placed within the corresponding one.
- Religion: applies to temples of legally constituted churches whose service is in the name of the legal entity that carries out the religious activity; any other activity not directly related to religious worship will be excluded from the rate.
- Protection of children and the elderly: covers homes and asylums for the elderly and/or disabled persons, state-promoted daycare centers, and public homes for children, which must be of a charitable and non-profit nature, legally constituted, and whose service is in the name of the legal entity that carries out the activity.
- Care for the indigent: contemplates establishments for the care of homeless persons or drug addiction, which operate non-profit, are legally constituted, and whose service is in the name of the legal entity that carries out the activity. Assistance and relief institutions: includes those whose purpose is social assistance for groups with scarce economic resources or the protection of persons in case of disasters or crisis situations. All of a charitable and non-profit nature. In these cases, the rate will be applied exclusively in the buildings and other properties expressly used for the cited purposes.
- Hospitals and clinics: only applies to hospitals, clinics, and Ebais of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social).
c. Consumption blocks Aspects such as consumption distribution, income concentration, and number of subscribers are taken into account, which was complemented with the analyses carried out by the IDB and Cepal and information from INEC, with which the following consumption blocks are defined as representative according to the consumption behavior of each proposed category, as seen in the following image:
Figure No. 2 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Proposed rate structure d. Fixed services For subscribers for whom the corresponding measurement is not carried out by means of a water meter (hidrómetro), the charging of a single rate for fixed services is established according to the rate category to which they belong.
In accordance with the provisions of resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, operators must endeavor to reduce this type of service until achieving 100% metering of their subscribers; this is because the presence of fixed services implies that the provision of the service is not being optimized in accordance with the criteria of efficiency and effectiveness in the management and use of the resource as established by the current technical regulation for the provision of aqueduct, sanitary sewerage, and hydrant services, as detailed.
- Fixed Service Rate (Tarifa de Servicios Fijos, T-SF): Fixed services are those in which subscribers do not have a water meter (hidrómetro), so a specific linear fixed amount or fee is established according to the type of rate category to which they belong. This will be of a provisional or temporary nature, for a maximum period of 6 months, in order to allow providers to install water meters (hidrómetros) or suspend the service.
e. Bulk water The rate for the water resource protection service in the bulk water purchase-sale transactions carried out by Asadas is defined with the following detail:
- Bulk water purchase-sale rate: purchase-sale of raw or drinking water in large volumes Likewise, in accordance with resolution RE-0028-IA-2024, the following stages in the value chain are defined:
- Conduction Rate (Tarifa-Conducción, T-C): interconnection for carrying out water purchase-sale transactions that takes place in the section of pipeline intended to convey water from the source to the distribution tank or treatment plant.
- Treatment Rate (Tarifa-Tratamiento, T-T): interconnection for carrying out water purchase-sale transactions that takes place downstream of the purification process, involving all physical, mechanical, and chemical elements and processes (desander, primary settler, dosers, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, among others) that will make the water acquire the necessary characteristics to be suitable for consumption.
- Distribution Rate (Tarifa-Distribución, T-D): interconnection for carrying out water purchase-sale transactions that takes place in the pipe system responsible for delivering water from the storage tanks to the users' consumption points.
f. Prepaid modality Regarding the prepaid or advance payment modality, in accordance with resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, this allows users to pay for water consumption in advance regardless of the rate category. This means that customers may purchase a certain amount of cubic meters of drinking water before they can use it.
Once the purchased amount of water is exhausted, the prepaid meter counter stops working; however, before the entire volume of purchased water is consumed, it issues a series of alerts to inform the user of the remaining volume and the need to make a new water purchase under the same mechanism.
The purpose of the advance payment option is for public aqueduct and sanitary sewerage service users to have access to the service, according to their payment capacity over time and with the same conditions of quality and continuity of service. In this context, for this setting, it is of interest that, just as in the regular aqueduct modality, users who acquire the service with this payment methodology cover the costs derived from the protection of the water resource.
The conditions for the provision of the service under this modality are established in accordance with the dictates of resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments for aqueduct and sewerage services.
It must also be highlighted that advance payment for the service, by its nature, only applies to services that have a metering system with automatic activation and disconnection and remote control by the service provider. Existing or future subscribers may opt for the prepaid modality, provided that technical conditions permit and they comply with current regulations.
g. Time-of-Use Residential Modality Despite the fact that the sector does not have hourly demand monitoring, resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments propose this modality in the provision of the aqueduct service in an enabling manner so that operators can have a tool that generates signals and incentives to create a modification in the consumption patterns of subscribers; and in turn, promote technological incorporation in the provision of the service both in the general system and in the different stages of the value chain.
Taking into account this proposal and in line with what was stated for the prepaid modality, because every aqueduct service must be linked to adequate protection of water sources to ensure its sustainability, the rate for the protection of the water resource that would be charged to subscribers under time-of-use conditions is also proposed in an enabling manner.
In line with this proposal, the aim is to standardize the service supply schedules with those available in the electricity sector for residential users, given that both services are complementary in consumption and production. Likewise, both are closely exposed to climate change and face the same operational vulnerabilities due to their structural characteristics (they depend on surface water sources and seasonality).
In this way, the application of this modality for the water resource protection service of the residential category is defined for the supply of water to single-family dwelling houses and apartments that serve exclusively as permanent lodging. With the need for a metering system that has a multi-rate meter. Likewise, the time slots are defined as follows:
- Definition of schedules:
- Peak 1: between 10:01 and 13:00 hours - Peak 2: between 18:01 and 21:00 hours - Off-Peak 1: between 05:31 and 10:00 hours - Off-Peak 2: between 13:01 and 18:00 hours - Off-Peak 3: between 21:01 and 23:00 hours - Night: between 23:01 and 05:30 hours - Residential Time-of-Use Rate (Tarifa Residencial Horario, T-Re-H): One in which subscribers can manage their water consumption according to the established schedule; it will also allow residential users of the regulated aqueduct service provided in the country to contribute the amount required for the protection of the water resource. It excludes the supply to common areas of residential condominiums that have individual metering.
- Application: For the supply of water to single-family dwelling houses and apartments, used exclusively for permanent residence. Does not include supply to common areas of mixed-use condominiums (residential-commercial-industrial), recreational areas, motels, hotels, cabins or recreational houses, hospitals, hospices, combined services (combined activities: residential, commercial and industrial), apartment buildings served by a single meter, nor establishments related to for-profit activities.
- Measurement system: A single system whose meter is multi-tariff.
V. PARAMETERS USED
The following table presents the percentages of devaluation of the colón against the dollar and the average inflation, both data for the last actual years (2022-2023) and the projections for the period comprising 2024 to 2029. The source of these parameters for the actual data is found in the footnote and the projected data were obtained by the Intendancy.
Table No. 2 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Economic parameters for the estimation of Required Revenues according to the methodology. Period 2021-2029 (actual and estimated data*) | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Parameter | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024* | 2025* | 2026* | 2027* | 2028* | 2029* | | Devaluation | 5.40% | 2.97% | -11.41% | -0.93% | 1.28% | 1.93% | 2.02% | 2.01% | 2.02% | | Inflation (USA) | 4.70% | 8.00% | 4.10% | 2.90% | 2.10% | 2.10% | 2.10% | 2.10% | 2.10% | *The data for 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 are estimates. The variations are calculated at the end of the year (December) or as the variation of the annual averages of the respective indices.
Source: prepared by the Intendencia de Agua, Aresep with data from Banco Central de Costa Rica, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the United States Federal Reserve, which were compiled from their web pages on March 12, 2025, from the following links:
http://www.bccr.fi.cr/publicaciones/politica_monetaria_inflacion/PM_2017-2018.pdf http://www.bccr.fi.cr/publicaciones/politica_monetaria_inflacion/PM2018-2019.pdf https://activos.bccr.fi.cr/sitios/bccr/publicaciones/DocPolticaMonetariaInflacin/Programa_Macroecono mico_2019-2020.pdf https://activos.bccr.fi.cr/sitios/bccr/publicaciones/DocPolticaMonetariaInflacin/Programa_Macroecono mico_2020-2021.pdf https://activos.bccr.fi.cr/sitios/bccr/publicaciones/DocPolticaMonetariaInflacin/Revsion- Programa_Macroeconomico-2020-2021_informe.pdf https://www.bccr.fi.cr/publicaciones/DocPolticaMonetariaInflacin/IPM_octubre_2021.pdf https://www.bccr.fi.cr/publicaciones/DocPolticaMonetariaInflacin/IPM_enero_2022.pdf https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/2021-02-mpr-summary.htm https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/2021-07-mpr-summary.htm https://gee.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx?idioma=1&CodCuadro=%2040 https://gee.bccr.fi.cr/indicadoreseconomicos/Cuadros/frmVerCatCuadro.aspx?idioma=1&CodCuadro=%2073
VI. DETERMINATION OF THE INFORMATION
The following section details the information collection process, as well as the criteria used to determine the sample that serves as the basis for the proposed tariff adjustment for the water resource protection service provided by the Asadas; which, in turn, is based on the analysis carried out for the setting of the aqueduct service provided by these operators, since the units sold, shared costs, and investments must be used consistently and prorated among the different services and activities performed by the Asada, as detailed below:
1. Information collection:
For the collection of information used in the tariff study, both for the market section with historical subscriber and consumption data and for the financial data provided by the corresponding financial statements, probabilistic sampling was not used due to the lack of information from the regulated entities that are part of this sector. This situation arises because many of these operators lack the personnel or the necessary means to collect it.
Carrying out probabilistic sampling could lead to selecting Asadas that do not have the necessary information, which would require constantly replacing them. This situation would not only affect the quality of the results but would also considerably increase the costs and time of the study, which contradicts the main objective of applying sampling and therefore would make updating the sector's tariffs impossible.
Furthermore, the market composition of the Asadas reveals that approximately 20% of them have more than 500 subscribers, representing 66% of the total subscribers served by this operator. This market also has many ASADAS with few subscribers, and as mentioned in previous paragraphs, they are not economically viable because the tariffs would have to be very high to cover the requirements of these operators.
Therefore, a total enumeration was carried out for the Asadas in cluster A and convenience sampling for the remaining clusters. The information collection took place from July 7, 2023, to July 31, 2024. The tools for collecting the information were: templates and documents establishing the formats and requirements for the required information.
As already indicated, the information collection process was the most important challenge faced in this tariff update; it had to be carried out in several stages since the response from the operators was very poor, as detailed below:
- a)In the first instance, in response to official communication OF-0260-IA-2023, the Intendencia de Agua received market information from the country's Asadas, with the objective of forming a consolidated database to understand the demand on which these providers supply the aqueduct service. On the other hand, for financial information, it was collected by telephone during the same time period, seeking to have the most information possible to carry out the corresponding tariff study.
Through the aforementioned official communication and the telephone contact for the request of financial information, data were received from around 185 delegated providers throughout the territory, including Asadas with a range of subscribers from less than 100 to those with more than 1000 users. However, from this sample, only a total of 69 operators were identified with valid information, both market and financial, which had to coincide in time since it is not possible to associate costs from one period with revenues from another to make estimates, as doing so would incur a serious error in the estimates. Therefore, information was defined as valid if it was complete for the years submitted and available for manipulation, since in some cases the data were sent through illegible photographs or in formats different from those requested, which prevented the information from being used.
- b)Subsequently, given the difficulty in obtaining complete information from the Asadas in response to the formal request made, taking into account the population of Asadas mentioned in the previous subsection that showed some interest in providing data but whose submission was incomplete, the Intendancy implemented a work plan to make direct contact with each one of these operators distributed throughout the country, both by telephone and in person. In this second effort to achieve the objective, Asadas that had attached information in previous processes, whether market or financial, were incorporated, as both inputs are required, as well as all the neighboring Asadas that the field technicians managed to identify and visit in person. This was done to get them to submit the consolidated and complete requirements for their inclusion in the tariff analysis, in addition to strengthening the sample available.
In this way, during the months of March and April of this year, an effort was made to contact 93 Asadas, including both new contacts and Asadas that had already provided information previously but required corrections. However, of these 93, an attempt was made to communicate by telephone with around 16 Asadas, since it was necessary to supplement or clarify information; of those 16, no response was obtained because the reported means of communication were outdated, the information was not complete, or they did not even have it.
- c)Finally, with the entry into force of resolutions RE-0010-IA-2024 and RE-0011-IA-2024 on the information requirements that the Asadas must meet and the guidelines for opting for the regulatory quality seal for the country's aqueduct and sewerage services, information was received from 102 Asadas, which was included in the database. It is worth noting that upon reviewing it, it was identified that some of these Asadas corresponded to operators that had already submitted information previously and that, however, thanks to the new data submission, it was possible to update either market or financial information, or in some cases both, in order to have the most recent information cutoff possible.
Taking into account the line of work described, as well as the different means and tools used for collecting the information, at the end of this work, a total sample of 317 Asadas was obtained.
It should be highlighted that the data collected from the different sources used form the preliminary information base for carrying out the tariff analysis. From this, a review of the substance of the data is generated to subsequently form the final sample, which will be detailed in the following subsection.
2. Criteria used for determining the final sample:
Now, to determine the final sample of Asadas, the aim is to have a database with consistent information, that is, one that does not present data with atypical behaviors or that do not follow a stable trend. For this, an evaluation was carried out on the information provided by the 317 Asadas, taking into account its evolution over time, so as to ensure that the quality of the information is suitable to ensure tariff setting close to real behavior. For example, in some Asadas that sent information disaggregated by subscriber, those subscribers who in some month presented negative consumption, as is the case of Ojo de Agua de Sictaya, Turrialba, were not taken into account for the projections.
In this next stage of data analysis, a verification was carried out to ensure that the temporality of the data was consistent between the market and financial information; however, in some cases this was not so, so the following actions were taken:
- With respect to the financial statements, the operators sent information from different temporalities, so in some cases the information had to be indexed to adjust the financial variables to December 31, 2023. In these cases, the market data for the original year was maintained, since imputing subscriber and market data would alter the information supporting the financial expenditure of the original year of the information. As previously indicated, a relationship must be maintained between the costs and expenses that coincide with the sales of the actual market supplied (subscribers and consumption), as these costs and expenses are associated with providing this flow required for the sale of water with their respective operation and maintenance costs, among which is the purification of the water resource; otherwise, the data could not be used in the estimates.
- The second situation that arose was the existence of 32 cases in which the Asadas presented financial information with a cutoff date of December 31, 2023, but with subscriber and consumption data corresponding to other years. To avoid excluding these Asadas from the sample, the subscriber and consumption data were estimated through trend regression, in order to achieve a market that had a relationship with the costs and expenses provided by the operators, thus managing to rescue these cases to carry out the estimates.
It is emphasized that, despite the efforts made by the Intendancy to collect and rescue robust information to form a consolidated database, due to the difficulties in obtaining it and the problems found both in the format and substance of the information, as a result of this first filter in which those Asadas that correctly provided both market and financial-accounting data are identified, a refined sample of 176 Asadas with information for 2023 was obtained.
Taking the analysis of the information provided by these 176 Asadas to a deeper level, and due to the demands, seriousness, and implications of a national-impact industry tariff estimation, it is required that the data feeding the model to be used not only be coherent but also uniform and consistent. In this way, the statistic of 1.5 times the interquartile range was used on each of the cost and expense accounts analyzed by Asada subgroup depending on the subscriber range in which they are located, since, given the high heterogeneity in the sample, this analysis was carried out taking this variable into consideration. This statistic considers the identification of values that deviate significantly from the majority, specifically those that are below the first quartile or above the third quartile; this provides robustness to the information to be used, since the measure is not sensitive to extreme data as the standard deviation is, for example. It is important to emphasize that this study focuses on creating a tariff in relation to the desired market, capable of responding to the proposed investments with the objective of improving service delivery and guaranteeing the quality of the product delivered to subscribers.
Once the data identified as atypical were cleaned using the statistical method described in the previous paragraph and ensuring stable and congruent behavior, a final sample of 88 Asadas was obtained in accordance with the following detail:
Table No. 3 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Number of Asadas in the final sample by subscriber range.
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Subscriber Range | Number of Asadas | | <100 | 4 | | 101-200 | 14 | | 201-300 | 8 | | 301-400 | 7 | | 401-500 | 11 | | 501-750 | 14 | | 751-1000 | 9 | | 1001-1500 | 10 | | 1501-2000 | 6 | | >2000 | 5 | | Total | 88 | As can be seen in the previous table, an attempt was made to rescue at least one Asada from each subscriber range in order to have some representation of that group; however, the largest number of Asadas in the sample that managed to remain until the end of the analysis correspond to those from the groups with the highest number of subscribers. The estimates made and the application of the statistical methods can be found in the Annexes of this report called "UNION DE ARCHIVOS DE RECOLECCIÓN" and "Estudio de Asadas TPRH".
In relation to this section, in the annex "CONTROL DE INFORMACIÓN DE ASADAS", the list of Asadas that submitted information complying with resolutions RE-010-IA-2024 and RE-011-IA-2024, and those that presented information to form the sample, can be consulted. If an Asada's information presented inconsistencies in only one of the files (either market or financial statements), its entirety was discarded from the database, so as not to create distortions between the financial and market information, as was extensively explained in this section.
VII. MARKET ANALYSIS
In this section, the projection of the subscriber and consumption levels of the Asadas for the water resource protection service they provide is carried out.
These forecasts are used to determine the demand level for the tariff revenues required to provide the service and to generate price signals according to the categories, blocks, and descriptions of the tariff structure during the study period. The information used to make these forecasts was determined according to the procedure explained in the previous section on the final sample of 88 Asadas, for which data are available from the years 2020 to 2023.
Due to the heterogeneity present in the database, derived from the different subscriber and consumption levels of the Asadas and, in general, the presence of different factors influencing the service delivery of these operators, it is determined that using the growth rate method for the market estimation in the corresponding five-year period is the one that best suits the available information.
The starting point for the estimation of subscribers and consumption is the arithmetic average of the sample for each variable. The average was used because it is a measure of central tendency that adequately represents the data set, as well as being easy to calculate and interpret. Although the average can be affected by extreme values, this was avoided through the elimination of atypical cases, as mentioned in point VI: Determination of the Information.
Regarding the possibility of using other measures of central tendency such as the mode or the median, the former was discarded because this statistic only represents the most frequent value, ignoring the variability of the data. Furthermore, the modal value can change, making it less stable and, therefore, a less consistent option for this case. On the other hand, the median is not suitable for asymmetric distributions, as is the case here, where some larger Asadas have considerably high consumption. If the median is used, the asymmetry is not adequately captured. This could cause underestimation in both the number of subscribers and consumption, affecting the generation of necessary revenues. These revenues make it possible to guarantee adequate cash flow to cover the planned investments, whose purpose is to improve and strengthen operational management and ensure the quality of the potable water supply provided by the Asadas.
From a statistical point of view, several models exist to estimate the growth of variables. For the case of subscribers and consumption, the geometric model was selected due to its capacity to maintain a constant year-over-year rate, which ensures a stable variation throughout the projection period. The basic formula of this model is presented below:
Formula No. 1 V_t = V_0 x r^t Where:
V_t is the value of the variable at time t.
V_0 is the initial value or the value at time t=0.
r is the geometric ratio, representing 1+g, where g is the growth rate per period.
t is the number of time periods elapsed.
Now, regarding the growth rate used in the previous formula, its calculation is described below:
Formula No. 2 % Growth = (Value year t) / (Value year t-1) * 100 To summarize these values into a single one for each variable (subscribers and consumption), the geometric mean was used, because it is useful for estimating the average change in percentages and other relative indices; this according to Lind, D. A., Marchal, W. G., and Wathen, S. A. (2015). The geometric mean is calculated with the following formula:
Formula No. 3 GM = √(n&(x_1 )*(x_2 )*...*(x_n)) Where n is the number of observations.
Lastly, obtaining the growth rate is the difference between the geometric mean value and one. From this, a growth of 8.03% in subscribers and 7.13% in cubic meter consumption was obtained. These growth rates give an indication of the level of growth that the Asadas are experiencing, as they are significant levels, identifying that an increasingly larger part of the population is being supplied by these providers derived from the organic growth of the communities.
Finally, by applying the described model, the results for subscribers and consumption for the five-year period from 2025 to 2029 are obtained; it is worth noting that as the base year 2024, a level of 818 average monthly subscribers from the sample and an aggregate annual consumption level of 207,080 cubic meters from the sample are considered. These data correspond to the average of the final sample, and using them as the base market means that the growth projections will be estimated from that data. The following graph shows the forecast results for both subscribers and consumption.
Graph No. 5 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Projection of subscribers (monthly) and consumption (annual).
Period 2024-2029 (see original document for graph) It is important to mention that time series were not used because the objective is not to forecast each one of the Asadas in the sample, but rather to obtain an Asada that represents the group of Asadas.
Likewise, it is necessary to detail the method used for the breakdown of the forecasts by consumption block, as these data are essential for calculating the final tariffs. The calculation is carried out as follows:
For large residential consumers:
Formula No. 4 P_(s,GC,b) = P_s * W_s * W_c * W_(c,b) Where:
P_(s,GC,b): Forecast of the series "s" (subscribers or consumption) for the Large Residential Consumers category for block "b" P_s: Forecast of the series "s" (subscribers or consumption) W_s: Ratio between large consumers and the total service; for subscribers the ratio is 0.122% and for consumption 4.44%; this data is estimated in the annex called "TARIFAS ASADAS PRH GENERAL 05.12.24".
W_c: Proportion of category "c" with respect to the total W_(c,b): Proportion of block "b" in relation to category "c".
For the other tariff categories:
Formula No. 5 P_(s,c,b) = (P_s - P_(s,GC) ) * W_c * W_(c,b) Where:
P_(s,c,b): Forecast of the series "s" (subscribers or consumption) for category "c" for block "b" P_(s,GC): Forecast of the series "s" (subscribers or consumption) for the total of large residential consumers.
P_s: Forecast of the series "s" (subscribers or consumption) W_c: Proportion of category "c" with respect to the total W_(c,b): Proportion of block "b" in relation to category "c".
The proportions of each block are calculated specifically for the year 2023 (from January to December), with the market information from the AyA and the ESPH because data are not available for the Asadas with this level of breakdown.
In the case of AyA, it has national representativeness, as it is the operator with the largest coverage in the country, and between AyA and ESPH they provide service to the majority of the national population according to the INEC data previously indicated.
The following table presents the proportions:
Table No. 4 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Proportions for subscribers and consumption from AyA and ESPH 2023 according to categories and blocks (Excluding the large residential consumers and others category)
| Category | Block | Subscribers - Relative | Consumption - Relative | Real Average Consumption |
|---|
| Residential | 0-15 | 66% | 34% | 7 |
| 16-30 | 28% | 42% | 21 |
| 31-60 | 6% | 17% | 39 |
| More than 60 | 1% | 7% | 116 |
| Total | 92% | 80% | 14 |
| Commercial | 0-20 | 84% | 26% | 6 |
| 21-65 | 12% | 27% | 43 |
| More than 65 | 4% | 47% | 243 |
| Total | 5% | 6% | 20 |
| Industrial | 0-120 | 94% | 32% | 18 |
| More than 120 | 6% | 68% | 565 |
| Total | 3% | 9% | 53 |
| Preferential | 0-120 | 88% | 22% | 22 |
| More than 120 | 12% | 78% | 547 |
| Total | 1% | 6% | 88 |
| Total | 100% | 100% | 16 | |
Source: Intendencia de Agua, report RE-0028-IA-2024.
For the case of large residential consumers, the following distribution table is used for both subscribers and consumption:
Table No. 5 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Proportions for subscribers and consumption from AyA and ESPH 2023 large residential consumers in monthly averages according to blocks.
| Block | Subscribers - Absolute | Subscribers - Relative | Consumption - Absolute | Consumption - Relative |
|---|
| 0-519 | 8,946 | 71% | 1,651,373 | 22.3% |
| 520-1315 | 2,386 | 19% | 1,982,356 | 26.7% |
| More than 1315 | 1,306 | 10% | 3,784,341 | 51.0% |
| Total | 12,638 | 100% | 7,418,070 | 100.0% |
Source: Intendencia de Agua It is worth mentioning that the system of focused subsidies to finance users classified as being in a condition of poverty and extreme poverty must be explicitly shown on the billing, and the residential tariff will be charged; while users classified as for social welfare will be charged the large residential consumers tariff.
VIII. ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENTS AND NEW COSTS AND EXPENSES
Below is the analysis of the investment plan and proposed new costs and expenses that will allow improving the management of the water resource with both technological elements and investment in the future through the education of new generations. This is for the purpose of generating significant improvements in the delivery of the water resource protection service during the five-year period 2025-2029.
The proposed investments aim to recognize, in this tariff study, resources to resolve the deficiencies detected in report IN-0109-IA-2021 called "Análisis de clúster en Asadas" available on folio 27 of file ET-084-2024, as will be detailed below.
In this tariff study (ET-104-2024), the allocation of 3.45% of the shared administrative costs between services is recognized for the water resource protection service, leaving the other 96.55% for the aqueduct service that was already incorporated in the proceeding of file ET-084-2024, thus ensuring that this group of operators has 100% of the resources to progressively achieve the proposed objectives in favor of better service delivery for their subscribers.
1. Total operating, administrative, and commercial costs and expenses (CTet):
These are the operating, administrative, and commercial costs and expenses to execute projects for water resource protection of provider "e" for period "t". The calculation includes the following components detailed in the following equation:
Formula No. 6 CTet = GREMet + CSERet + DEPet + CMSet + OGet Where:
. CTet = Total operating, administrative, and commercial costs and expenses incurred by provider "e" for period "t" to execute projects for water resource protection.
. GREMet = Remuneration expenses incurred by provider "e" for period "t" to execute projects for water resource protection.
. CSERet = Service costs incurred by provider "e" for period "t" to execute projects for water resource protection, as well as the corresponding administrative and commercial costs.
. DEPet = Depreciation cost of assets incurred by provider "e" for period "t" to execute projects for water resource protection.
. CMSet = Cost of materials and supplies incurred by provider "e" for period "t" to execute projects for water resource protection, as well as the corresponding administrative and commercial costs.
. OGet = Other costs or expenses incurred by provider "e" for period "t" to execute projects for water resource protection, as well as the corresponding administrative and commercial costs.
The detail of each of the components can be found in the TPRH Methodology (RE-0098-JD-2023).
The operating, administrative, and commercial costs and expenses taken into account for the water resource protection service are the same ones used for the tariff setting of the aqueduct service (ET-084-2024), since it is necessary, as previously indicated, to generate 100% of the necessary resources for the delivery of the different services that the Asadas offer.
These are divided into two parts: the costs and expenses present in the majority of the financial statements of the Asadas in the sample used, and some new items considered necessary to improve service delivery, as well as efficiency in administrative management.
. CTet present in the majority of the Asadas in the sample:
Detailed below:
The criteria used by the Intendencia de Agua (IA) for the estimation of costs and expenses are:
- a)Financial Statements: from the information provided by the Asadas, the Financial Statements present different temporalities, accumulated balances, and results for periods 2021, 2022, and 2023, for which they were indexed in accordance with the economic indicators detailed in section V, in order to have standardized operation, maintenance, and administrative costs and expenses at 2023 prices.
- b)Determination of the recurrence of costs and expenses: The line items for operation, maintenance, administrative costs and expenses, and depreciation expense are defined as recurring, meaning they have a constant behavior over time; most of these were projected with inflation, except for the depreciation expense, which was estimated based on the assets incorporated and their remaining useful life.
- c)Total operating, administrative, and commercial costs and expenses: These from Asadas detailed in previous sections. As already indicated, an analysis of the accounting accounts that comprise them was carried out, including salary items, fuels and lubricants, materials and supplies, contracted services, and other costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the aqueduct, as well as other costs and expenses associated with the administrative items of the projects for the protection of the water resource.
These comprise the weighted average of the operation and maintenance costs of the sample of 88 Asadas, which included the accounts recorded in this grouping, such as salary accounts, social charges, and legal benefits. They also consider materials and supplies, contracted services, and other costs and expenses related to water resource protection activities. Due to the foregoing, an average amount of ?3,288,704.30 was incorporated for each of the years.
- d)Depreciation expense: In the case of assets, it is necessary to align with the criterion used to estimate consumption and the 824 subscribers of the base year, since supplying them requires having the necessary infrastructure. From that sample of Asadas available, the one that most closely matched that market was chosen in order to obtain the asset subledger and incorporate the most closely approximating depreciation expense. In this case, the asset subledger of the Asada Tarbaca as of December 31, 2023, was used. This is an Asada that has a water treatment plant, so its asset base is robust and seeks to satisfy the sufficient provision of expense so that the calculation allows for their replacement at the end of their useful life if managed properly for this specific purpose. The annual depreciation expense for each year of the projection, which corresponds to an average of ?110,892.41 for the five-year period.
Additionally, the depreciation expense for 5 bulk meters and 1 computer equipment is included, in accordance with the investment goals determined by the Intendencia de Agua. In the case of the vehicle, since the resources are not obtained until the year 2029, this tariff exercise does not suffice to begin provisioning for its replacement. For these items, the average depreciation expense for the five-year period is ?512,449.68.
. New CTet proposed for all Asadas:
- a)Full-time administrator: To ensure adequate administrative-financial management and customer service, this proposal considered that the Asadas have a full-time administrator at the University Bachelor category. For this, Decreto Ejecutivo N°44293-MTSS was considered, which establishes the following monthly remuneration of ¢638,299.51:
Table No. 6 Minimum wages for remuneration of generic occupations per month established by the Ministerio de Hacienda Effective as of December 14, 2023 (amounts in colones)
| Type of Worker | Amount | |
|---|
| Workers in Unskilled Occupation | ? | 358,609.50 |
| Workers in Semi-skilled Occupation | ? | 389,961.60 |
| Workers in Skilled Occupation | ? | 403,461.60 |
| Mid-level Technicians of Diversified Education | ? | 422,798.93 |
| Workers in Specialized Occupation | ? | 463,248.99 |
| Higher Education Technicians | ? | 521,053.17 |
| Higher Education Diploma Holders | ? | 562,756.90 |
| University Bachelors | ? | 638,299.51 |
| University Licentiates | ? | 765,985.67 |
Source: Decreto Ejecutivo N°44293 MTSS.
Additionally, 37.34% in social charges was considered in accordance with the provisions of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social and 8.33% corresponding to the year-end bonus (aguinaldo), for total annual social charges of 45.67%, in accordance with the following detail:
Based on the foregoing, an annual expense was estimated at ¢392,488.57 for 2025, ¢404,663.23 for 2026, ¢416,803.13 for 2027, ¢429,307.22 for 2028, and ¢442,186.44 for 2029.
- b)Office rental: As part of the commitment to improve the quality of service and customer service for users of the public aqueduct service related to water resource protection activities, the need to establish a physical space exclusively dedicated to customer service was identified. This space will allow for offering a more efficient, accessible, and personalized service to users of the public service.
The rental of an office dedicated to customer service represents a strategic investment to improve service quality and strengthen the relationship with our users. By providing a space dedicated to personalized and efficient service, not only is internal operation optimized, but the commitment to offer a public service that effectively responds to the needs and expectations of users is also fulfilled.
To determine the cost to be recognized, an average of the reference rental prices of different dimensions throughout the country was made, according to market availability. Additionally, as in the previous case, this expense is shared among the different services provided by the Asadas, so the same proration criterion used for existing administrative expenses is applied. The result of this procedure is that for 2025 an amount of ¢230,674.81 is recognized, for 2026 an amount of ¢237,830.14, for 2027 an amount of ¢244,965.05, for 2028 an amount of ¢252,314.00, and for 2029 an amount of ¢259,883.42.
- c)Computer equipment: The tariff adjustment proposal includes the acquisition of computer equipment that allows for managing billing and collection, enabling the aqueduct to better control its income to operate the systems under the conditions established in Ley 7593 and the regulations issued by Aresep. It is also the instrument with which all administrative tasks of the aqueduct are carried out, which is of vital importance for the monitoring and automation of factors associated with billing and water loss control.
For the foregoing, the acquisition of a laptop and a 27-inch monitor was considered; the unit cost of the computer equipment and the monitor corresponds to an amount of ¢31,553.21. The detail is found in the spreadsheet called "Estudio de Asadas TPRH" specifically in the tab called "Respaldo de costo".
- d)Compliance with financial-accounting requirements: To guarantee the integrity and compliance with the National Accounting Regulations, established by the Contabilidad Nacional of the Ministerio de Hacienda, in addition to guaranteeing the delivery of the information required in Resolutions RE-0010-IA-2024 on periodic information requirements for Asadas, as well as RE-0011-IA-2024 on the Sello Regulatorio de Calidad, this item is included within the tariff estimation, in accordance with the professional fees established by the Colegio de Contadores de Costa Rica.
- e)Acquisition of a vehicle: The tariff adjustment proposal incorporates the acquisition of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as it is fundamental for optimizing the operation and operational efficiency of the potable water conduction and distribution system. This type of vehicle offers an ideal combination of robustness and versatility, allowing for the transport of heavy equipment and tools necessary for the maintenance and repair of hydraulic infrastructures, as well as the transfer of personnel to difficult terrain with limited access. The vehicle's capacity facilitates the transport of pipes, pumps, and other essential materials, reducing the need for multiple trips and improving the speed of emergency response. Furthermore, its four-wheel drive and rugged design are perfect for facing adverse conditions and rough terrain typical in rural and mountainous areas, thus ensuring continuous and efficient service in aqueduct management.
In the adjustment proposal, one vehicle is considered for an amount of ¢1,143,536.77, which is projected to be collected over 4 years, in order not to cause a very strong impact in a specific year. For the year 2026, an amount of ¢273,336.22 is included in the calculations; for 2027, ¢281,536.30; for the year 2028, an amount of ¢289,982.39; and for the year 2029, an amount of ¢298,681.86.
The reference cost is attached in the costs tab "Estudio de Asadas TPRH" specifically in the tab called "Dep inversiones". The amount included in this item may also be used for another type of vehicle necessary to attend to the operation and maintenance of the aqueduct according to its topographic needs or the particular characteristics of the network.
2. Resources for project financing (RFet):
The resources for project financing are calculated by adding the funds intended to finance projects from the tariff and/or through debt to finance projects, thus also recognizing in the tariff the cost of servicing debt obligations. This component is allocated with the objective of providing the provider with resources to guarantee the adequate development of the activity.
The resources for financing project development are calculated as follows:
Formula No. 7 RFet = CINVet + SDet Where:
- RFet = Resources to finance the execution of projects for the protection of the water resource of provider "e", for period "t". These resources consist of the sum of estimated investments with own resources and the debt service.
- CINVet = Estimated disbursement of investments with own resources to execute projects for the protection of the water resource of provider "e" for period "t". The cost of the projects must be explicit and justified by the service provider, based on reasonable technical and financial criteria in accordance with the univocal rules of science or technique.
- SDet = Cost of the debt service to execute projects for the protection of the water resource of provider "e", for period "t". The procedure for obtaining this cost is detailed in section 2.1.
This item contemplated the investment projects that have been previously mentioned throughout the report, which are proposed under the following detail:
1. Hydrological and/or Hydrogeological Study:
This investment project aims to incorporate the necessary resources for the Asadas to carry out a hydrological and/or hydrogeological study, according to the needs of the Asada, that allows delimiting the protection areas that each operator must procure.
This investment project aims to incorporate the necessary resources for the Asadas to carry out a hydrological and/or hydrogeological study, according to the needs of the Asada, that allows delimiting the protection areas that each operator must procure.
This is to keep their sources safe in aspects such as maintenance and adequate recharge, as well as safeguarding against exogenous agents that may directly and indirectly affect water sources. Likewise, this study aims to identify the specific characteristics of the water sources, such as their sustainable extraction capacity, resource quality, and vulnerabilities to possible contaminants or land-use changes (cambios en el uso del suelo).
This detailed analysis will allow for the development of specific action plans for the comprehensive management of the water resource, aligned with environmental regulations and sustainability principles. Moreover, these studies will contribute to improving the strategic planning and operational capacity of the Asadas, strengthening their role as operators responsible for guaranteeing access to safe and quality water in their communities. According to the following criteria:
The quotations available in this tariff file for the Asadas la Argentina, Pocora, el Tanque, San Carlos, Rosales, Desamparados de Alajuela, and la Fortuna, San Carlos respectively are attached, and can also be seen in the quotations available in the spreadsheet called "Estudio de Asadas TPRH", specifically in the tab called "Estudio Hidrogeológico".
Table No. 8 Calculation of the Average per Hydrogeological and/or Hydrological Study The amount to be recognized for the execution of this investment corresponds to the average of the quotations obtained, updated to the prices of the year in which they are expected to be carried out, which would correspond to ¢2,065,467 distributed as ¢1,016,960.87 for the year 2025 and ¢1,048,506.13 for the year 2026. For those Asadas that already have hydrological and/or hydrogeological studies, they may use these resources in other types of studies required by the operator that generate technical support, such as socioeconomic studies, taking into account the investment prioritization that the Asada has within the framework of water resource protection.
2. Bulk Metering (Macromedición):
In this section, the proposal for the acquisition of five bulk meters (macromedidores) intended for the monitoring of the springs (nacientes) used by the Asadas is analyzed. This type of investment is considered essential to improve water resource management, since it allows for precise information on water extraction and, consequently, more efficient use of the available resource, considering factors such as scarcity and seasonality.
The implementation of bulk meters (macromedidores) establishes a baseline for the continuous monitoring of sources, facilitating informed decision-making regarding the management of the main input of the Asadas: water. This monitoring seeks to provide comprehensive and precise knowledge of the behavior of the sources, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods such as gauging (aforos), which are subject to the influence of multiple variables that can affect the precision of the data obtained. Although gauging (aforos) is commonly used to determine the production level of sources, it offers specific results that may be inaccurate or inconsistent, underscoring the need for more robust solutions like bulk meters (macromedidores).
The estimation of the number of bulk meters (macromedidores) necessary for this project was based on information collected from the SAGA System of AyA, where 38 Asadas were identified from the total sample of 88 that had details about their infrastructure, such as sketches, networks, tanks, and springs (nacientes). The figure chosen for the number of sources was estimated by calculating the 80th percentile, which represents a statistically significant value for at least 80% of the sample, resulting in five sources.
The estimated values and cost references used come from tariff file ET-055-2023 of the tariff study for the aqueduct service of Asada Labrador. The detailed information is available in the Excel file titled "Estudio de Asadas TPRH", specifically in the sheet called "Dep inversiones".
Based on this information, the unit cost of ¢1,840,000 per bulk meter (macromedidor) was incorporated, distributing the total investment of ¢9,446,033.60 per year, with the following projected disbursements: ¢3,056,078.68 for the year 2027, ¢3,147,761.04 for the year 2028, and ¢3,242,193.87 for the year 2029.
In the event that an Asada already has bulk meters (macromedidores) installed in all its sources, it is proposed that the resources be invested in the implementation of a control center. This would allow for automated and efficient monitoring of the production and flow level entering the system, improving the operational management and quality of the potable water supply that these organizations provide to their communities.
3. Quality Program (Quality Analysis):
The recognition of the costs that the Asadas must incur in order to have a Water Quality Control Program to carry out water quality analyses at the sources requested by the Ministerio de Salud through the guidelines established in Decreto 38924-S "Reglamento para la Calidad del Agua Potable" and its reforms is included.
Specifically, the items to be recognized in the tariff adjustment correspond to the application of the quality analyses of the First (N1), Second (N2), and Third (N3) levels specifically for the component of the aqueduct system called sources, in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of Decreto 38924-S, which states:
"Article 13. Water Quality Control Program. Every operating entity must have and keep implemented, updated, and available, a Water Quality Control Program, which must contain the following:
- a)AREA OF INFLUENCE OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.
- i)Have a sketch or plan of the aqueduct.
- ii)Identification and description of the area where supply sources are located.
- iii)Control of the area of influence of supply sources.
- iv)Identification of risk and vulnerability associated with water sources and storage tanks, through periodic inspections they carry out, according to Anexo 5 of this regulation.
- b)SAMPLE COLLECTION.
- i)Frequency of sample collection and Sample collection points.
The frequency of sample collection by the operating entity (Operational Control) and the designated laboratory must be subject to the provisions in Tables B1, B2, and B3 of Anexo 2 of this regulation, for which they must have the corresponding semi-annual schedule according to Table B.4 of Anexo 2 of this decree.
- ii)Sample collection points.
- 1)The sampling points for the different analyses by the operating entity (Operational Control) and the designated laboratory must be selected uniformly, so that they are representative of the supply zones; starting with the source, storage, disinfection site, and ending in the distribution network.
- 2)They must be located at the outlet of the treatment plant, outlet of storage tanks, outlet of underground sources (wells, springs, infiltration galleries), and in the distribution network.
- 3)The tap selected for sampling must be located as close as possible to the house connection controlled by the operator, before the elevated tank or any other type of intra-household storage of water." On the other hand, the costs included in the tariff adjustment proposal also respond to the objective that the Asadas have the necessary resources to apply the water quality analyses requested for the Programa de Sello Regulatorio de Calidad, which encompasses the provisions in Resolutions RE-0010-IA-2024 and RE-0011-IA-2024.
Both for the fulfillment of the water quality analyses requested by the Ministerio de Salud and for those of the Programa de Sello Regulatorio de Calidad, the resources to be allocated through the tariff adjustment must be executed through laboratories that have the assays of interest to be contracted by the Asadas duly accredited by the Ente Costarricense de Acreditación and that also have the respective sanitary operating permit, in accordance with Article 10 of Decreto 38924-S:
"Article 10. Laboratories and Methods of Analysis a) Any laboratory that performs physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis must have a sanitary operating permit granted by the Ministerio de Salud, according to Decreto Ejecutivo N° 34728-S "Reglamento General para el Otorgamiento de Permisos de Funcionamiento del Ministerio de Salud" of May 28, 2008, and its reforms.
- b)The reference methods for analysis are those indicated in the latest edition of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
- c)The collection of samples for physicochemical and microbiological analyses must be carried out by personnel from the contracted laboratory.
- d)Public operating entities must submit the analysis reports issued by laboratories whose test methods are accredited, as established in Article 34 of Ley N° 8279 of May 2, 2002, "Sistema Nacional para la Calidad" published in the Diario Oficial La Gaceta N° 96 of May 21, 2002." To estimate the costs corresponding to the quality analyses, the information from the final refined sample corresponding to 88 Asadas was used, as well as the sketch files related to the aqueduct systems they use, available in the SAGA system of AyA, and the demographic information from the 2023 National Household Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Hogares, ENAHO) published by INEC.
Taking these information sources as a base point, the first step was to identify the Asadas that have sketches within the SAGA database of AyA. The sketches provide information about how the aqueduct systems in the Asadas are formed, for example, they include elements such as the number and type of sources, whether they are springs (nacientes), wells, or surface intakes like rivers, storage tanks, the number of communities they supply, whether they have a water treatment plant, among other aspects.
It should be noted that the sketches used were made by AyA in 2021, so this is the base year of that information. Considering that the system configuration may not vary greatly over the years and the limitation in data availability from the Asadas, this information source is used for the respective calculation. Now, from the final sample delimited previously, a total of 38 Asadas with sketches were identified, which were used to estimate the costs of the quality analyses, also aligned with point 3. Interconnection and control of this same section.
Once the Asadas were identified, the information recorded in the sketches was tabulated, considering the variables of the number of sources. Now, once the data corresponding to each variable for the selected sample is available, to identify the costs corresponding to the quality analyses, it is necessary to note that the current Decreto 38924-S "Reglamento para la calidad del Agua Potable" establishes a minimum number of analyses for water quality control, as well as mandatory analysis parameters.
In this sense, said regulation establishes four levels of potable water quality control: N1, N2, N3, and N4, each measuring different specific parameters at different points in the system. Likewise, the periodicity with which the tests must be carried out is defined according to the population supplied by the system. As a summary, the table below shows the different aspects defined by the Quality Regulation to establish the number of tests that must be performed in the systems.
Table No. 9 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales, Asadas).
Levels for quality tests according to population, sampling point, and periodicity.__ *In the case of N4 analyses, since the tests are only performed in specific cases where the presence of substances or organisms that could contaminate the water is detected, for the purposes of this study, these analyses are incorporated for the sources.
This level is requested by the Ministerio de Salud only in emergency cases.
Source: Prepared by the Intendencia de Agua, Aresep based on the Reglamento para la Calidad del Agua Potable.
Next, after determining the number of samplings required annually according to the level type in accordance with the current regulation, it is necessary to estimate the population served by each Asada in the sample to define the periodicity with which each analysis must be carried out.
For this, household and population information from ENAHO 2023 was used, from which the number of people per household according to region was estimated; this information was crossed with the location of each Asada, so that the population was obtained from data with a disaggregation closer to the reality of each Asada and not just with respect to the country-level information.
With this, the product was calculated between the number of residential subscribers of each Asada and the number of people per household according to the region corresponding to the location of that Asada; in this way, the population data required to calculate the periodicity with which the analyses must be carried out for each level established in the quality regulation was approximated for each Asada individually.
It is necessary to highlight that, in the case of type N4 analyses established only in emergency cases where organisms or substances that are potentially contaminating or that could affect water quality are identified, the analyses required for the detection of agrochemicals and hydrocarbons once per year were contemplated within the cost estimation. Likewise, in the context of compliance with Resolution RE-0011-IA-2024 of the Sello Regulatorio de Calidad del Agua, the Intendencia establishes the execution of said analyses as an admissibility requirement due to the non-conformities found in the country's aqueduct systems in these parameters.
Once the number of quality analyses required for each Asada was determined according to the estimated population and the respective number of sources, tanks, and networks, the cost of these was calculated. For this, the costs per level (N1, N2, N3, and N4) were determined from the amounts established within the market study carried out by the Intendencia de Agua for its water quality program, attached in the Annex called "Fiscalización Calidad-Tarifario Asadas.docx" of this report, which are presented in the table below:
Table No. 10 Community Aqueduct Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Average amounts for quality analyses according to level for 2024.
(amounts in colones)
| Level | Cost |
|---|
| N1 | ?57,518 |
| N2 | ?115,036 |
| N3 | ?105,373 |
| N4 (Hydrocarbons) | ?140,000 |
| N4 (Agrochemicals) | ?185,319 |
Source: Intendencia de Agua, Aresep.
From this, for the tariff estimation, the amount used corresponds to the one incorporating the 80th percentile of the costs associated with the sample of Asadas, indicated previously. This statistic is used because it is robust in terms of data concentration and is not influenced by extreme values like the average. Similarly, the 80th percentile statistic shows the value below which 80% of the data is found, indicating that the largest amount of data from the sample is taken into account, only excluding those in the highest 20%.
In this way, an average annual amount of ?1,562,620.85 is recognized within the tariff costs for the concept of quality analysis and compliance with the quality program, which contains an adjustment for inflation for all years of the study in order to maintain the value of money over time. All the estimates made for this section can be found in the spreadsheet called "Hoja Datos Estudio de Asadas TPRH.xlsx", specifically in the tab called "Análisis de Calidad".
4. Water Culture Program:
The Water Culture Program aims to promote the valuation, responsible use, and conservation of the water resource through awareness-raising, education, and community participation strategies. This program is based on the recognition that sustainable water management requires not only adequate infrastructure but also a cultural change oriented towards respect and care for this essential resource.
Although each Asada organizes and executes these programs differently according to their needs and capacities, the main objectives must align with the following thematic approaches:
- Awareness-raising: Create a deep understanding of the importance of water as a limited and vital resource, highlighting its role in environmental sustainability and social well-being.
- Education: Develop educational programs aimed at diverse audiences, such as schools, communities, and service users, to promote responsible practices in the use of the water resource.
- Community participation: Promote the participation of communities in activities related to the protection of water sources, reforestation, community monitoring, and rainwater harvesting projects.
The implementation of these programs is expected to generate positive impacts, such as:
· Increase public awareness of the relevance of water as an indispensable resource.
· Reduce waste and promote efficient practices in water consumption in homes, businesses, and institutions.
· Strengthen community commitment to the sustainable management of the water resource.
To estimate the costs associated with these workshops and activities, the data available in the file named "Estudio de Asadas TPRH.xlsx" were compiled and processed, specifically in the tab titled "Cultura del agua".
These estimates consider the specific needs of the Asadas and the resources required to guarantee the success of the proposed activities, with an average of ?2,891,527.62 being incorporated for this concept for the period corresponding to this rate-setting. This amount contemplates a cost per person of ?6,717.85, which means that on average, the Asadas will have the possibility of training around 437 people per year on issues of water resource protection. Specifically, the following data were used for this estimation:
Table No. 11 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Average amounts for quality analysis according to level for 2024.
(figures in colones)
| ASADA | Concepto | Total general | Costo por persona | Observaciones |
|---|
| Asada La Argentina, Pocora. | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?3 040 789,29 | ?2 533,99 | Project for 240 people per year |
| Asada Sucre, San Carlos. | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?6 826 336,74 | ?0,00 | Does not indicate the number of people |
| Asada Rio Celeste, San Carlos. | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?4 561 368,00 | ?0,00 | Does not indicate the number of people, quarterly activities |
| Asada Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos. | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?18 513 027,00 | ?24 684,04 | Project for 150 people per year |
| Asada El Tanque, San Carlos. | Comisión ambiental | ?2 486 584,26 | ?5 525,74 | Project for 90 people annually |
| Asada Rio Blanco, Limón. | El Agua es vida para Río Blanco/ Viáticos y Materiales | ?7 067 591,70 | ?11 779,32 | Project for 120 children over 5 years |
| Asada Rosales, Desamparados, Alajuela. | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?20 389 845,00 | ?22 655,38 | 6 annual activities for 30 people |
| Asada San Juan de Puriscal, San Jose. | Educación Ambiental | ?5 533 705,20 | ?0,00 | Does not indicate the number of people |
| Asada La Fortuna, San Carlos | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?63 034 456,00 | ?0,00 | Does not indicate the number of people |
| Asada Bijagua | Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?5 243 777,00 | ?0,00 | Does not indicate the number of people |
| PROMEDIO | ¢ 13 669 748,02 | ?6 717,85 | PROMEDIO x PERSONA |
IX. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Below is a detail of the summary of historical costs that form part of the tariff adjustment proposal; the first three rows coincide with the estimates for the aqueduct service processed in ET-084-2024, subsequently in the orange-colored row the percentage of 3.45% corresponding to the expense to be incorporated in the study for the water resource activity is applied, as shown below:
Table No. 12 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Summary of historical and projected costs Period 2023-2029 Taking into account the detail of new expenses and investment projects explained previously, this item is established at an average annual amount of ?7,825,230.77 for the 2025-2029 period, as detailed below:
Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
New costs and resources for project financing Period 2025-2029
| Costos nuevos y proyectos de PRH | | | | | |
|---|
| Nuevos costos | | | | | |
| Administrador tiempo completo | ?392 488,57 | ?404 663,23 | ?416 803,13 | ?429 307,22 | ?442 186,44 |
| Alquiler de oficina | ?230 674,81 | ?237 830,14 | ?244 965,05 | ?252 314,00 | ?259 883,42 |
| Equipo de cómputo | ?31 553,21 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 |
| Requerimientos contables | ?161 423,00 | ?166 430,20 | ?171 423,11 | ?176 565,80 | ?181 862,78 |
| Vehículo | ?0,00 | ?273 336,22 | ?281 536,30 | ?289 982,39 | ?298 681,86 |
| Proyectos | | | | | |
| Estudio hidrogeológico | ?1 016 960,87 | ?1 048 506,13 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 |
| Macromedición en tomas de agua | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?3 056 078,68 | ?3 147 761,04 | ?3 242 193,87 |
| Análisis de calidad en tomas | ?1 470 452,99 | ?1 516 065,19 | ?1 561 547,15 | ?1 608 393,56 | ?1 656 645,37 |
| Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?2 733 949,60 | ?2 800 170,22 | ?2 887 029,11 | ?2 973 639,99 | ?3 062 849,19 |
| Total Costos e inversiones adicionales | ?6 037 503,06 | ?6 447 001,33 | ?8 61G 382,53 | ?8 877 G64,01 | ?G 144 302,G3 |
Source: Intendencia de Agua, Aresep.
Below is a detail summary of the cost, expense, depreciation, and investment needs to determine the level of income required for the water resource protection activity in Asadas:
Table No. 14 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Proposed income statement Period 2025-2029
| COSTOS | Año 2 (2025) | Año 3 (2026) | Año 4 (2027) | Año 5 (2028) | Año 6 (202G) |
|---|
| CTet promedio | ?89 738 208,14 | ?92 521 810,98 | ?95 297 465,31 | ?98 156 389,27 | ?101 101 080,95 |
| Gasto por depreciación muestra de información | ?3 280 828,37 | ?3 242 900,78 | ?3 151 428,15 | ?3 061 465,44 | ?2 926 094,46 |
| Gasto por depreciación nuevos activos | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?3 253,20 | ?767 272,87 | ?767 272,87 |
| Total de costos para PRH | ?3 207 870,2G | ?3 302 558,11 | ?3 3G8 378,45 | ?4 257 888,GG | ?4 354 771,70 |
| Costos nuevos y proyectos de PRH | | | | | |
| Nuevos costos | | | | | |
| Administrador tiempo completo | ?392 488,57 | ?404 663,23 | ?416 803,13 | ?429 307,22 | ?442 186,44 |
| Alquiler de oficina | ?230 674,81 | ?237 830,14 | ?244 965,05 | ?252 314,00 | ?259 883,42 |
| Equipo de cómputo | ?31 553,21 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 |
| Requerimientos contables | ?161 423,00 | ?166 430,20 | ?171 423,11 | ?176 565,80 | ?181 862,78 |
| Vehículo | ?0,00 | ?273 336,22 | ?281 536,30 | ?289 982,39 | ?298 681,86 |
| Proyectos | | | | | |
| Estudio hidrogeológico | ?1 016 960,87 | ?1 048 506,13 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?0,00 |
| Macromedición en tomas de agua | ?0,00 | ?0,00 | ?3 056 078,68 | ?3 147 761,04 | ?3 242 193,87 |
| Análisis de calidad en tomas | ?1 470 452,99 | ?1 516 065,19 | ?1 561 547,15 | ?1 608 393,56 | ?1 656 645,37 |
| Promover una nueva cultura del agua | ?2 733 949,60 | ?2 800 170,22 | ?2 887 029,11 | ?2 973 639,99 | ?3 062 849,19 |
| Total Costos e inversiones adicionales | ?6 037 503,06 | ?6 447 001,33 | ?8 61G 382,53 | ?8 877 G64,01 | ?G 144 302,G3 |
| Ingresos requeridos | | | | | |
| Ingresos Totales Requeridos | ?G 245 373,34 | ?G 74G 55G,44 | ?12 017 760,GG | ?13 135 853,00 | ?13 4GG 074,63 |
Source: Intendencia de Agua
X. TARIFF STRUCTURE
1. Proposed tariff structure In this section, the different components that form part of the tariff structure are defined, which, in turn, constitutes the instrument through which prices are defined by consumer type, geographic area, demand periods, or by other distinctions when applicable, this set of prices being what allows the service's income to be obtained. It is through this structure that the manner in which the monetary inputs required by the operator will be collected is defined, so that it can provide a quality service, in accordance with the costs and investments necessary to meet this objective.
This tool is composed of different sections, such as tariff categories, which discriminate consumers according to their characteristics and the uses given to the service, and likewise the consumption blocks that fractionate the volume demanded by subscribers according to the intensity with which they have used the service. In this sense, there are different billing modalities that can also be used for this purpose; therefore, this section describes the different groupings that make up the tariff structure, as well as the modalities that providers can adopt to apply tariffs to their subscribers in accordance with the provisions of resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, set forth previously.
Although the previously cited resolution, which originates from report IN-0117-IA-2024, establishes the applicable tariff structure for aqueduct and sewerage services, it is necessary to recall that the current tariff methodology for the water resource protection service of resolution RE-0098-JD-2023 indicates in its scope that it "is applied to the current tariff structure of the aqueduct service," in the context of applying the water resource protection tariff.
a. Tariff type In this section, the type of tariff with which the transfer of costs and expenses associated with the provision of the water resource protection service is carried out is defined. This tariff scheme allows the necessary income for the Asadas to be recovered through a progressive and equitable approach, being composed solely of a variable charge described below.
· Variable charge:
The variable charge is the amount that the user must pay for each unit of water consumed or use of the service, and it responds to the need derived from the operator's operation and maintenance costs for an optimal and efficient provision of the service.
In this way, the variable charge is estimated according to the distribution of the different categories and consumption blocks, establishing progressivity in the billing according to the intensity and use given to the service provided by the operator. It is the responsibility of this structure to define the tariff considering aspects such as excessive consumption and the requirement of the service as a productive input to ensure good management of the water resource.
b. Tariff categories In accordance with what was previously described, complementing the variable charge, and in line with the analysis developed in resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, the tariff categories allow subscribers to be classified according to their properties in the use of the service and the conditions under which they find themselves when making demand for it. Thus, the following tariff categories are defined:
- Tarifa Residencial (T-Re): includes dwelling houses and apartments intended for the exclusive use of permanent or long-stay accommodation (sleeping, basic needs and personal hygiene, preparing and consuming their meals).
- Tarifa Grandes Consumidores (T-GC): applies to all large consumers of the aqueduct service (vertical or horizontal condominiums, apartments, hamlets for both residential and mixed use) whose consumption is measured by means of a bulk meter by the service provider, in accordance with the current Technical Regulation issued by Aresep.
- Tarifa de Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de Bien Social (TGCR-BS): This incorporates only those Large Residential Consumers of social welfare duly established as such by the Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (Banhvi) or by the State institution that holds that competence.
- Tarifa de Comercio y Servicios (T-CS): Incorporates companies classified in the commerce or services sector, according to the classification of economic activities (ISIC code); in these establishments, the aqueduct service is used for the purpose of selling finished products or providing services. This category also applies to all government establishments, including the Central Government and community centers (halls), except hospitals, clinics, and Ebais, public companies, and decentralized institutions.
Furthermore, it must be applied to the supply of potable water in motels, hotels, or short-stay lodging (accommodations for vacationing), private hospitals and clinics, and other establishments related to for-profit activities that require a municipal license to operate.
Potable water consumption for common areas that have their own metering.
Tarifa Industria (T-In): Applies to companies classified in the industrial sector according to the classification of economic activities (ISIC code) used by the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR). The service is used for the purpose of manufacturing products from raw materials or assembling them for sale.
. Tarifa Preferencial (T-Pre): includes social activities, which are registered with legal personality. This category comprises the following activities:
. Education: only for educational centers belonging to the state public education sector (preschool education centers, primary education schools, special education schools, secondary education high schools, technical secondary education high schools, university colleges, universities, and public libraries, including facilities exclusively dedicated to public educational activity). Restaurants, soda shops, student residences, photocopy centers, and others are excluded from these categories; even if they are under the name of educational entities, they will not benefit from this tariff and must be placed within the corresponding one.
. Religion: applies to temples of legally constituted churches and whose service is under the name of the corporate entity that carries out the religious activity; any other activity not directly related to religious worship will be excluded from the tariff.
. Protection of children and the elderly: covers homes and asylums for the elderly and/or disabled persons, daycares promoted by the State, and public homes for children, which must be of a charitable and non-profit nature, legally constituted, and whose service is under the name of the corporate entity that carries out the activity.
. Care for the destitute: contemplates establishments for the care of homeless persons or those with drug addiction, which operate non-profit and are legally constituted, and whose service is under the name of the corporate entity that carries out the activity. Assistance and relief institutions: includes those whose purpose is social assistance for low-economic-resource groups or the protection of persons in case of disasters or crisis situations. All of a charitable and non-profit nature. In these cases, the tariff will be applied exclusively in buildings and other properties expressly used for the cited purposes.
. Hospitals and clinics: only applies to hospitals, clinics, and Ebais of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.
c. Consumption blocks Likewise, for the definition of the consumption blocks corresponding to each tariff category, as indicated in resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, aspects such as consumption distribution, income concentration, and number of subscribers are taken into account, which was complemented with analyses carried out by the IDB and ECLAC and information from INEC, with which the following consumption blocks are defined as representative according to the consumption behavior of each proposed category, as illustrated in the following figure:
Figure No. 3 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Tariff structure proposal In this way, these are the consumption blocks through which the costs related to the variable part of the tariff will be recovered, seeking to ensure a progressive tariff signal that simultaneously generates an incentive for the efficient management of the water resource.
d. Fixed services As previously provided in the diagnostic analysis, with respect to fixed services that do not have service metering, the application will be in accordance with the term established in resolution RE-0034-IA-20024 for the Aqueduct service for Asadas; said term corresponds from the entry into force of the respective resolution and until July 31, 2025.
e. Bulk water sales To determine the tariff to be charged for this service, the stages of the value chain that will be taken into account for what concerns the bulk water sale are established within resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments; these are those previously defined as conveyance, treatment, and distribution.
Once the stages have been identified, given that the information required to identify the consumption levels associated with this service by the Asadas nor the separation of costs by value chain is available, to estimate the tariff associated with water resource protection that each stage must contribute, the cost proportions of AyA were used, as shown in the table below:
Table No. 15 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Proportion of costs per stage in the value chain.
AyA, approved costs 2023-2024. RE-0014-IA-2023.
| Etapa | Distribución Relativa |
|---|
| Conducción* | 35,73% |
| Tratamiento | 10,72% |
| Distribución | 53,55% |
| Total | 100,00% |
* The conveyance stage incorporates catchment costs.
Source: prepared by Intendencia de Agua, Aresep, from resolution RE-0014-IA-2023.
Now, to carry out the estimation of the tariffs corresponding to this item, the starting point is the average prices estimated annually for the five-year period 2025-2029, and they are distributed according to the cost weightings indicated in the previous table.
It is important to note that the billing modality for this tariff is cumulative, meaning that the charge must be made according to the stage of the value chain from which the water is extracted.
For example, if the Asada carries out the purchase-sale of treated water from the distribution network, then it must be billed the amount corresponding to the stages in the value chain through which said water had to pass before reaching the stage from which it is extracted, that is, the tariff for conveyance, treatment, and finally the tariff for potabilization. As a demonstration, two billing examples for this item are attached in the following tables.
Table No. 16 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Example 1 of billing for bulk water purchase-sale for 500 m3 of water extracted from the distribution network.
Table No. 17 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Example 2 of billing for bulk water purchase-sale for 1000 m3 of raw water extracted from the conveyance stage.
| Etapa | Tarifa | M3 | Total facturado |
|---|
| Conducción | ? 17 | 1 000 | ? 17 000 |
| Total Facturado | ?17 000 | | |
Source: Intendencia de Agua.
Furthermore, it is important to define the tariff categories for the purchase-sale of water in large volumes according to the type of user, and maintaining a record of transactions according to the stages of the value chain that are in effect; these categories are delimited as follows:
· Water service provider: Buyer or seller of raw water (without potabilization) as well as potable water. In the case of water sales between providers, the conditions agreed upon by the parties must be respected, as well as the tariffs and conditions in the provision of the service established by Aresep.
· Private company: Legal entity not connected to its supply network that requires it, such as water transporters or anyone requesting it for temporary use, in accordance with the procedures and requirements established by the provider.
· Ports and airports: Vessels in national ports and airports for their provisioning.
f. Prepaid modality With respect to the prepaid or advance payment modality, in accordance with resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, and the context set forth in previous sections of the report, its application is defined as follows:
- Tarifa Pre-pago (T-PP): The application of prepaid water tariffs is established in accordance with what is established for the aqueduct service, which are a way of guaranteeing that users of the different tariff categories pay in advance for their water consumption and the water resource protection associated with it. This proposal can help reduce water waste and guarantee that water is available for all who need it, as well as generate awareness among subscribers of their water consumption.
h. Hourly Residential Modality The application of this modality for the water resource protection service is defined for the residential category for the supply of water to single-family dwelling houses and apartments that serve exclusively as permanent accommodation. This requires a metering system that has a multi-tariff meter. Likewise, the time bands are defined according to what was previously defined:
Definition of schedules:
· Punta 1: between 10:01 and 13:00 hours · Punta 2: between 18:01 and 21:00 hours · Valle 1: between 05:31 and 10:00 hours · Valle 2: between 13:01 and 18:00 hours · Valle 3: between 21:01 and 23:00 hours · Nocturno: between 23:01 and 05:30 hours To achieve the objective of modifying the consumption pattern of subscribers, a tariff incentive must be offered according to the distribution in the use of the service in relation to the schedules indicated previously. Therefore, it is established that for the "Punta" periods, the tariff to apply is that of the highest block of the residential category; in the case of the schedule designated as "Valle," the tariff corresponds to the average price; and, finally, in the "Nocturno" schedule, the tariff of the lowest block in the residential category is applied.
2. Tariff estimation Considering the proposed tariff structure for the water resource protection service provided by the country's Asadas, the income estimation must be carried out according to the distribution of categories and blocks proposed. In this way, it must be ensured that the approved costs and investments are covered, regarding the arguments set forth in the previous sections.
The required income, consumption, and average price are identified in the following table:
Table No. 18 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas).
Initial variables for tariff estimation.
| Ingresos requeridos | | | | | |
|---|
| Ingresos Totales Requeridos | ?G 245 373,34 | ?G 74G 55G,44 | ?12 017 760,GG | ?13 135 853,00 | ?13 4GG 074,63 |
| Consumos estimados | 222 003,36 | 237 829,95 | 254 784,81 | 272 948,39 | 292 406,84 |
| Tarifa Media Estimada | ?42 | ?41 | ?47 | ?48 | ?46 |
Source: Intendencia de Agua, Aresep.
1. Tariff schedules Below are detailed the tariff schedules resulting from the analysis carried out in the previous sections; these indicate the tariffs that the country's Asadas must apply for the water resource protection service, applicable for those that do not have an individual study for this service, as well as for the other water sales modalities.
Likewise, this section incorporates the tariff schedules corresponding to the individual rate-settings of Asadas for which the application of this tariff implies a change in the structure of the schedules set; in this sense, the re-weighting to the new tariff structure of the current aqueduct schedule for Asadas that do not have a regulatory quality seal, established by resolution RIA-006-2017, is also incorporated.
It should be noted that said schedules correspond only to a re-weighting of the amounts already established, that is, they are not a tariff study as such, but rather an adaptation to the new tariff structure proposed by the Intendencia with the same income level.
a. Range of 1 to 100 subscribers:
Table No. 19 Tariff schedule Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas) Tarifa para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico (TPRH) Range of 1 to 100 subscribers
| Asadas de 1 a 100 servicios | Vigente | Rige a partir del 01/jul/2025 al 31/dic/2029 | Variación Absoluta | Variación Relativa | | |
|---|
| Servicio Protección del Recurso Hídrico | | | | | | |
| Categoría tarifaria | Detalle del cargo | | Propuesto | | | |
| ? Tarifa Residencial | | | | | | |
| Cargo por metro cúbico | | | | | | |
| Bloque 0-15 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 42 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 15-30 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 45 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 31-60 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 50 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 61 o más | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 57 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Comercio y Servicios | | | | | | |
| Cargo por metro cúbico | | | | | | |
| Bloque 0-20 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 42 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 21-65 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 49 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 66 o más | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 58 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Industria | | | | | | |
| Cargo por metro cúbico | | | | | | |
| Bloque 0-120 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 42 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 121 o más | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 60 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Preferencial | | | | | | |
| Cargo por metro cúbico | | | | | | |
| Bloque 0-120 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 42 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 121 o más | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 57 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Grandes Consumidores | | | | | | |
| Cargo por metro cúbico | | | | | | |
| Bloque 0-2500 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 42 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 2501-6000 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 50 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 6001 o más | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 59 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social | | | | | | |
| Cargo por metro cúbico | | | | | | |
| Bloque 0-2500 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 42 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 2501-6000 | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 50 | No aplica | No aplica |
| Bloque 6001 o más | cada m3 | No aplica | ? | 59 | No aplica | No aplica |
Source: Own elaboration by Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Table No. 20 Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales (Asadas) Servicio de Protección del Recurso Hídrico for fixed services Range of 1 to 100 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas de 1 a 100 servicios | Vigente | Rige a partir del 01/Jul/2025 al 31/dic/2025 | Variación Absoluta | Variación Relativa | |
|---|
| Servicio Protección del Recurso Hídrico | | | | | |
| Categoría tarifaria | Detalle del cargo | | Propuesto | | |
| ? Tarifa Residencial | | | | | |
| Cargo por mes | | | | | |
| Servicio Fijo | cada mes | No aplica | ? 853 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Comercio y Servicios | | | | | |
| Cargo por mes | | | | | |
| Servicio Fijo | cada mes | No aplica | ? 745 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Industria | | | | | |
| Cargo por mes | | | | | |
| Servicio Fijo | cada mes | No aplica | ? 3 997 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Preferencial | | | | | |
| Cargo por mes | | | | | |
| Servicio Fijo | cada mes | No aplica | ? 4 273 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Grandes Consumidores | | | | | |
| Cargo por mes | | | | | |
| Servicio Fijo | cada mes | No aplica | ? 80 505 | No aplica | No aplica |
| ? Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social | | | | | |
| Cargo por mes | | | | | |
| Servicio Fijo | cada mes | No aplica | ? 80 505 | No aplica | No aplica |
Source: Own elaboration by Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Servicio de Protección del Recurso Hídrico Prepaid modality Range of 1 to 100 subscribers Tariff schedule | Asadas with 1 to 100 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Prepaid Mode | | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 45 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 58 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Hourly Residential Mode Range of 1 to 100 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with 1 to 100 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso hídrico) Service Hourly Residential Mode | | | | | | | | Time Slot | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | | ? Hourly Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial Horaria) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Peak 1 (Punta 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Peak 2 (Punta 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 1 (Valle 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 2 (Valle 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 3 (Valle 3) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Nighttime (Nocturno) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
b. Range of 101 to 300 subscribers:
Table No. 23 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Range of 101 to 300 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service | | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 41 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | each m3 | Not applicable | ? | 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 52 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 62 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 834 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 788 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,229 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,709 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | each month | Not applicable | ? 85,187 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 85,187 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Prepaid Mode | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 41 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 52 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 62 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso hídrico) Service Hourly Residential Mode | | | | | | | Time Slot | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Hourly Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial Horaria) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Peak 1 (Punta 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Peak 2 (Punta 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 1 (Valle 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 2 (Valle 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 3 (Valle 3) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Nighttime (Nocturno) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 41 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
c. Range of 301 to 1000 subscribers:
Table No. 27 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Range of 301 to 1000 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 40 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 43 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 48 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 68 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Table No. 28 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service for fixed services Range of 301 to 1000 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 820 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 821 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,405 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,709 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 88,724 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 88,724 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Table No. 29 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Prepaid mode Range of 301 to 1000 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Prepaid Mode | | | | | | | Rate category | Detail of charge | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 40 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 43 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 48 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 68 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Table No. 30 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Hourly Residential Mode Range of 301 to 1000 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso hídrico) Service Hourly Residential Mode | | | | | | | Time Slot | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Hourly Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial Horaria) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Peak 1 (Punta 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Peak 2 (Punta 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 1 (Valle 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 2 (Valle 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 3 (Valle 3) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Nighttime (Nocturno) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 40 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
d. Range of More than 1000 subscribers:
Table No. 31 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Range of More than 1000 subscribers Rate schedule | Asadas with More than 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 69 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 72 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 67 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asadas with More than 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 799 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 873 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,686 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 5,010 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 94,384 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Service (Servicio Fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 94,384 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asadas with More than 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Service Prepaid Mode | | | | | | | Rate category | Detail of charge | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 69 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 72 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 67 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers for Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de bien social) | | | | | | | Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asadas with More than 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso hídrico) Service Hourly Residential Mode | | | | | | | Time Slot | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Hourly Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial Horaria) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Peak 1 (Punta 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Peak 2 (Punta 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 1 (Valle 1) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 2 (Valle 2) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Valley 3 (Valle 3) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Nighttime (Nocturno) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
e. Bulk water:
Table No. 35 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas).
Bulk water rate schedule | Asadas | Current* | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection (Protección del Recurso Hídrico) Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate (Tarifa Venta de Agua en Bloque) | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction (Conducción) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 17 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Potabilization (Potabilización) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 5 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution (Distribución) | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 25 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.f. Other schedules:
Table No. 36 Community Water Management Associations (Asadas) Aqueduct service rate schedule target schedule RIA-006-2017 | ASADAS | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 | Variation | Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Aqueduct (Acueducto) Service | From 1 to 100 | From 101 to 300 | From 301 to 1000 | More than 1000 | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Absolute | Relative | | ? Residential Rate (Tarifa Residencial) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 360 | ? 298 | ? 245 | ? 180 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | ? 344 | ? 283 | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 486 | ? 402 | ? 331 | ? 243 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 540 | ? 447 | ? 368 | ? 270 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | each month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate (Tarifa Comercio y Servicios) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 508 | ? 330 | ? 269 | ? 199 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 582 | ? 388 | ? 315 | ? 236 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 762 | ? 506 | ? 410 | ? 302 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate (Tarifa Industria) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 536 | ? 359 | ? 289 | ? 211 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 832 | ? 548 | ? 447 | ? 328 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate (Tarifa Preferencial) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 480 | ? 313 | ? 258 | ? 189 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 709 | ? 461 | ? 380 | ? 279 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 513 | ? 333 | ? 271 | ? 201 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 663 | ? 437 | ? 355 | ? 263 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 787 | ? 522 | ? 423 | ? 313 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Rate (Tarifa Residencial Pobreza Básica) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 270 | ? 223 | ? 184 | ? 135 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | ? 344 | ? 283 | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 486 | ? 402 | ? 331 | ? 243 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 540 | ? 447 | ? 368 | ? 270 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Rate (Tarifa Residencial Pobreza Extrema) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 180 | ? 149 | ? 123 | ? 90 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | ? 344 | ? 283 | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 486 | ? 402 | ? 331 | ? 243 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 540 | ? 447 | ? 368 | ? 270 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales Bien Social) | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 360 | ? 234 | ? 193 | ? 142 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 663 | ? 437 | ? 355 | ? 263 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 787 | ? 522 | ? 423 | ? 313 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge (Cargo fijo) | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,100 | ? 3,100 | ? 2,800 | ? 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Elaboration own by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Aqueduct service rate schedule target schedule RIA-006-2017 Fixed services | ASADAS | Effective | In effect from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Service | From 1 to 100 | From 101 to 300 | From 301 to 1000 | More than 1000 | | | | | | Rate Category | Charge Detail | | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Absolute | Relative | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 7,535 | ? 6,228 | ? 5,132 | ? 3,772 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 6 185 | ? 5,112 | ? 4,212 | ? 3,096 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,834 | ? 3,995 | ? 3,292 | ? 2,420 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 9,110 | ? 5,919 | ? 4,815 | ? 3,564 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industry Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 51,554 | ? 34,545 | ? 27,771 | ? 20,327 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 49,405 | ? 32,145 | ? 26,488 | ? 19,469 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 384,754 | ? 251,052 | ? 203,833 | ? 151,001 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 305,518 | ? 199 763 | ? 163,616 | ? 120,598 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
Water Service Resolution RIA-006-2017 Bulk Water ASADAS | ASADAS | Effective | In effect starting 01/Jul/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Water Service | From 1 to 100 | From 101 to 300 | From 301 to 1000 | More than 1000 | | | | | | Value Chain Stage | Charge Detail | | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 159 | ? 122 | ? 101 | ? 74 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Treatment | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 48 | ? 37 | ? 30 | ? 22 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 238 | ? 183 | ? 151 | ? 111 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP. | | | | | | | | | | ASADA San Pedro de Barva | Effective | In effect from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Service | | | | | | | | Rate Category | Charge Detail | Proposed | | | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 304 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 353 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 441 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,300 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,700 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 469 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 618 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 746 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,900 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industry Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 470 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 920 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 461 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 606 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 460 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 767 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 833 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Rate with basic poverty | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 228 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 353 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 441 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,300 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,700 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Rate with extreme poverty | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 152 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 353 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 441 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,300 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1,700 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 460 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 767 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 833 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2,800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
San Pedro de Barva.
Rate schedule Bulk Water Sale Service | ASADA San Pedro de Barva | Effective* | In effect from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value Chain Stage | Charge Detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 129 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Treatment | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 194 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
Table No. 41 Communal Water Administration Association (ASADA) San Pedro de Barva.
Rate schedule Water Service | ASADA San Pedro de Barva | Effective | In effect from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Service | | | | | | | | | | Rate Category | Charge Detail | Proposed | | | | | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 304 | ? | 318 | ? | 13 | 4.41% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 353 | ? | 342 | -? | 11 | -3.07% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 441 | ? | 368 | -? | 72 | -16.43% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 500 | ? | 424 | -? | 76 | -15.18% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 1,300 | ? | 1,600 | ? | 300 | 23.08% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 1,700 | ? | 2,000 | ? | 300 | 17.65% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? | 469 | ? | 399 | -? | 70 | -14.87% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? | 618 | ? | 500 | -? | 118 | -19.10% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? | 746 | ? | 565 | -? | 181 | -24.28% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? | 1,900 | ? | 2,200 | ? | 300 | 15.79% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Industry Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 470 | ? | 397 | -? | 73 | -15.48% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 920 | ? | 729 | -? | 191 | -20.78% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 461 | ? | 386 | -? | 75 | -16.32% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 606 | ? | 439 | -? | 167 | -27.51% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 460 | ? | 397 | -? | 63 | -13.60% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 767 | ? | 639 | -? | 127 | -16.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 833 | ? | 708 | -? | 125 | -14.95% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Residential Rate with basic poverty | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 228 | ? | 238 | ? | 10 | 4.40% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 353 | ? | 342 | -? | 11 | -3.07% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 441 | ? | 368 | -? | 72 | -16.43% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 500 | ? | 424 | -? | 76 | -15.18% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 1,300 | ? | 1,600 | ? | 300 | 23.08% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 1,700 | ? | 2 000 | ? | 300 | 17.65% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Residential Rate with extreme poverty | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 152 | ? | 159 | ? | 7 | 0.044023917 | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 353 | ? | 342 | -? | 11 | -3.07% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 441 | ? | 368 | -? | 72 | -16.43% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 500 | ? | 424 | -? | 76 | -15.18% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 1,300 | ? | 1,600 | ? | 300 | 23.08% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 1 700 | ? | 2,000 | ? | 300 | 17.65% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 460 | ? | 397 | -? | 63 | -13.60% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 767 | ? | 639 | -? | 127 | -16.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 833 | ? | 708 | -? | 125 | -14.95% | | Fixed Charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 2,800 | ? | 2,800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP. | | | | | | | | | Table No. 42 Communal Water Administration Association (ASADA) San Pedro de Barva.
Rate schedule Bulk Water Sale Service | ASADA San Pedro de Barva | Effective | In effect from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value Chain Stage | Charge Detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 129 | ? 124 | -? 5 | -3.83% | | Treatment | per m3 | ? 39 | ? 37 | -? 1 | -3.83% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 194 | ? 186 | -? 7 | -3.83% | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
Labrador, San Mateo.
Rate schedule Water Service | ASADA Labrador | Effective | In effect from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate Category | Charge Detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 364 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 409 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 591 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 568 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Industry Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 454 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,022 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 364 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 454 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 454 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 523 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 818 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 307 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 409 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 591 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 2,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 182 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 409 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 591 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 2,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 341 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 523 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 818 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
San Pedro de Barva.
Rate schedule Bulk Water Sale Service | ASADA Labrador | Effective* | In effect from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value Chain Stage | Charge Detail | Proposed | | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 197 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Treatment | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 295 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP. *Because the current rates have a different distribution of stages than that currently used, it is not possible to disaggregate the rates in a way that both amounts can be compared. | | | | | | Table No. 45 Communal Water Administration Association (ASADA) Labrador, San Mateo.
Rate schedule Water Service | ASADA Labrador | Effective | In effect from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate Category | Charge Detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 364 | ? 334 | -? 30 | -8.23% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 409 | ? 393 | -? 17 | -4.03% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 591 | ? 471 | -? 120 | -20.26% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 707 | -? 293 | -29.33% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 500 | ? 393 | -? 107 | -21.48% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 568 | ? 737 | ? 169 | 29.68% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 864 | -? 136 | -13.62% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Industry Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 454 | ? 393 | -? 62 | -13.62% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 1,022 | ? 883 | -? 139 | -13.62% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,800 | ? 600 | 27.27% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 364 | ? 381 | ? 17 | 4.73% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 454 | ? 432 | -? 23 | -4.97% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 454 | ? 393 | -? 62 | -13.62% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 523 | ? 451 | -? 71 | -13.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 818 | ? 707 | -? 111 | -13.62% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 307 | ? 293 | -? 14 | -4.50% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 409 | ? 393 | -? 17 | -4.03% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 591 | ? 471 | -? 120 | -20.26% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 707 | -? 293 | -29.33% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 182 | ? 168 | -? 14 | -7.76% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 409 | ? 393 | -? 17 | -4.03% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 591 | ? 471 | -? 120 | -20.26% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 707 | -? 293 | -29.33% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 341 | ? 294 | -? 46 | -13.62% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 523 | ? 451 | -? 71 | -13.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 818 | ? 707 | -? 111 | -13.62% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
Table No. 46 Communal Water Administration Association (ASADA) Labrador, San Mateo.
Rate schedule Bulk Water Sale Service | ASADA Labrador | Effective | In effect from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value Chain Stage | Charge Detail | Proposed | | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 197 | ? 191 | -? 6 | -3.00% | | Treatment | per m3 | ? 59 | ? 57 | -? 2 | -3.00% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 295 | ? 286 | -? 9 | -3.00% | | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP. | | | | | | Table No. 47 Communal Water Administration Association (ASADA) Labrador, San Mateo. Rate schedule Water Service | ASADA Labrador | Effective | In effect from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate Category | Charge Detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 334 | ? 352 | ? 19 | 5.58% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 471 | ? 445 | -? 26 | -5.54% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 556 | -? 150 | -21.29% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 737 | ? 623 | -? 113 | -15.38% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 864 | ? 816 | -? 48 | -5.55% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Industry Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 883 | ? 834 | -? 49 | -5.56% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,800 | ? 2,600 | -? 200 | -7.14% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 381 | ? 360 | -? 21 | -5.54% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 432 | ? 408 | -? 24 | -5.56% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 451 | ? 426 | -? 25 | -5.56% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 667 | -? 39 | -5.55% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 293 | ? 277 | -? 16 | -5.29% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 471 | ? 445 | -? 26 | -5.54% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 556 | -? 150 | -21.29% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 168 | ? 177 | ? 9 | 5.25% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 471 | ? 445 | -? 26 | -5.54% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 556 | -? 150 | -21.29% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 294 | ? 278 | -? 16 | -5.57% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 451 | ? 426 | -? 25 | -5.56% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 667 | -? 39 | -5.55% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed Charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP.
Table No. 48 Communal Water Administration Association (ASADA) Labrador, San Mateo.
Rate schedule Bulk Water Sale | ASADA Labrador | Effective | In effect from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value Chain Stage | Charge Detail | Proposed | | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 191 | ? 191 | -? 0 | -0.19% | | Treatment | per m3 | ? 57 | ? 57 | -? 0 | -0.19% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 286 | ? 286 | -? 1 | -0.19% | | Source: Own elaboration of the Water Directorate, ARESEP. | | | | | | | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 352 | ? 338 | -? 15 | -4.12% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 371 | ? 1 | 0.19% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 445 | ? 405 | -? 40 | -8.92% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 556 | ? 507 | -? 50 | -8.92% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 338 | -? 33 | -8.90% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 623 | ? 493 | -? 131 | -20.94% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 816 | ? 743 | -? 73 | -8.91% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 338 | -? 33 | -8.90% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 834 | ? 760 | -? 74 | -8.91% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 360 | ? 328 | -? 32 | -8.93% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 408 | ? 371 | -? 36 | -8.93% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 338 | -? 33 | -8.90% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 426 | ? 388 | -? 38 | -8.91% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 667 | ? 608 | -? 60 | -8.92% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 277 | ? 279 | ? 2 | 0.68% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 371 | ? 1 | 0.19% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 445 | ? 405 | -? 40 | -8.92% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 556 | ? 507 | -? 50 | -8.92% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 177 | ? 168 | -? 9 | -5.04% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 371 | ? 1 | 0.19% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 445 | ? 405 | -? 40 | -8.92% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 556 | ? 507 | -? 50 | -8.92% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 278 | ? 253 | -? 25 | -8.88% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 426 | ? 388 | -? 38 | -8.91% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 667 | ? 608 | -? 60 | -8.92% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Variation | Variati Relativ | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | Proposed | | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 191 | ? 191 | ? 1 | 0.34% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 57 | ? 57 | ? 0 | 0.34% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 286 | ? 287 | ? 1 | 0.34% | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | Table No. 51 Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Lomas de Zurquí Tariff schedule for Sanitary Sewerage Service | Asada Lomas de Zurquí | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sanitary Sewerage Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 482 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 567 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 661 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 758 | Not applicable | No aplica | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,007 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,261 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 758 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,896 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 573 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,064 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1 200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 758 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,185 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 1316 or more | each m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,602 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 311 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 482 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 567 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 661 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 482 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 567 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 661 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 568 | No aplica | Not applicable | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,185 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,602 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Lomas de Zurquí Tariff Schedule for Sanitary Sewerage Service | Asada Lomas de Zurquí | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sanitary Sewerage Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 416 | ? 614 | ? 198 | 47.50% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 482 | ? 733 | ? 251 | 51.96% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 567 | ? 878 | ? 312 | 54.96% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 661 | ? 1,030 | ? 370 | 55.96% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 758 | ? 1,082 | ? 325 | 42.86% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 1,007 | ? 1,485 | ? 478 | 47.42% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 1,261 | ? 1,819 | ? 558 | 44.21% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 758 | ? 1,082 | ? 325 | 42.86% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 1,896 | ? 2,465 | ? 569 | 30.02% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 573 | ? 970 | ? 397 | 69.32% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 1,064 | ? 1,479 | ? 416 | 39.07% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | ? 758 | ? 1,082 | ? 325 | 42.86% | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | ? 1,185 | ? 1,632 | ? 447 | 37.74% | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | ? 1,602 | ? 2,053 | ? 451 | 28.18% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 311 | ? 449 | ? 139 | 44.61% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 482 | ? 733 | ? 251 | 51.96% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 567 | ? 878 | ? 312 | 54.96% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 661 | ? 1,030 | ? 370 | 55.96% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 208 | ? 298 | ? 89 | 42.86% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 482 | ? 733 | ? 251 | 51.96% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 567 | ? 878 | ? 312 | 54.96% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 661 | ? 1,030 | ? 370 | 55.96% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | ? 568 | ? 812 | ? 244 | 42.86% | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | ? 1,185 | ? 1,632 | ? 447 | 37.74% | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | ? 1,602 | ? 2,053 | ? 451 | 28.18% | | Charge per month | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 22 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 25 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 28 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 24 | No aplica | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 29 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 30 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 28 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 25 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 29 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Rate Large Residential Consumers Social Good | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 26 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 36 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | | Asada Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service Bulk water sale | Asada Sucre | Current* | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 8 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Potabilization | per m3 | No aplica | ? 2 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 12 | Not applicable | No aplica | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 19 | -? 3 | -13.64% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 21 | -? 4 | -16.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 28 | ? 24 | -? 4 | -14.29% | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 21 | -? 3 | -12.50% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 29 | ? 25 | -? 4 | -13.79% | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 30 | ? 26 | -? 4 | -13.33% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 28 | ? 24 | -? 4 | -14.29% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 22 | -? 3 | -12.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 29 | ? 26 | -? 3 | -10.34% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 23 | -? 3 | -11.54% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 36 | ? 31 | -? 5 | -13.89% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 47 | ? 41 | -? 6 | -12.77% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asada Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service Bulk water sale | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 8 | ? 7 | -? 1 | -13.07% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 2 | ? 2 | -? 0 | -13.07% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 12 | ? 10 | -? 2 | -13.07% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 19 | ? 20 | ? 1.0 | 5.26% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 22 | ? 1.0 | 4.76% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 25 | ? 1.0 | 4.17% | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 22 | ? 1 | 4.76% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 26 | ? 1 | 4.00% | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 27 | ? 1 | 3.85% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 25 | ? 1 | 4.17% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 22 | ? - | 0.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 26 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 23 | ? 24 | ? 1 | 4.35% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 31 | ? 32 | ? 1 | 3.23% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 41 | ? 42 | ? 1 | 2.44% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asada Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service Bulk water sale | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 7 | ? 7 | ? 0.2 | 3.10% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 2 | ? 2 | ? 0.1 | 3.10% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 10 | ? 10 | ? 0.3 | 3.10% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Table No. 59 Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 20 | ? 18 | -? 2 | -10.00% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 20 | -? 2 | -9.09% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 22 | -? 3 | -12.00% | | ? Commercial and Services Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 19 | -? 3 | -13.64% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 23 | -? 3 | -11.54% | | ? Industrial Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 27 | ? 24 | -? 3 | -11.11% | | ? Preferential Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 22 | -? 3 | -12.00% | | ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 20 | -? 2 | -9.09% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 23 | -? 3 | -11.54% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 21 | -? 3 | -12.50% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 32 | ? 28 | -? 4 | -12.50% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 42 | ? 38 | -? 4 | -9.52% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Table No. 60 Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Asada Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service Bulk water sale | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Rate | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 7 | ? 6 | -? 0.8 | -11.11% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 2 | ? 2 | -? 0.2 | -11.11% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 10 | ? 9 | -? 1.1 | -11.11% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
XI. PUBLIC HEARING
Regarding the public hearing related to the present case, held on March 17, 2025, the Dirección General de Atención al Usuario (DGAU) issued minutes AC-051-DGAU-2025 and report IN-0128-DGAU-2025, from which it appears that in accordance with Ley 7593, article 36 and Decreto 29732-MP, articles 50 and 56, the following positions were received:
I. ADMITTED POSITIONS
POSITIONS RECEIVED IN THE VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Opposition: Carlos Andrés Jiménez Herrera, identity card number 2-0611-0134. Observations: Speaks at the public hearing. Does not submit a written brief. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In his argument, he states:
He expresses his concern and displeasure with the rate increases in the water service applied by ARESEP. In the previous hearing, an increase of 39% had been discussed, but in his community it translated into increases of up to 400%, severely affecting users. Although ARESEP subsequently adjusted the rate, the impact remains high, with increases ranging between 85% and over 100%.
He points out that these increases do not consider the economic reality of the population and especially affect low-income families and small entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, he mentions the lack of consensus between ARESEP and AyA, which causes confusion and makes the community unfairly perceive that the ASADA supports the increases. He feels frustrated and powerless seeing how the continuous hikes further impoverish the population, without adequate studies justifying these increases. In conclusion, he rejects these rates, as he considers they unjustly hit citizens without offering sustainable solutions.
Response:
The Water Resource Protection Tariff is based on information presented by the Asadas, on market data with historical subscriber records, and on financial information from financial statements. The resources obtained from this tariff are intended to carry out technical studies (hydrological and hydrogeological), implement macro-metering at the different concessioned sources, and promote a new water culture focused on sustainability, protection, and quality of the water resource used in the provision of the water supply (acueducto) service, contributing to climate change adaptation, for the benefit of all users.
Regarding the concern for the low-income population, it is indicated and clarified that the adjustment proposal corresponding to the TPRH, for example, for a consumption of 24 m3 per month would amount to approximately ? 1,100 per month, so the petitioner is informed that the adjustment is not excessive and maintains a relationship with the progressive consumption that aims to provide the corresponding signals for the conservation and efficient use of water resources.
Furthermore, categories and blocks were created based on average consumption levels that seek to soften the bill amount for those subscribers who make efficient use of the water resource; thus, for example, all categories in the first consumption block show accessible and reasonable prices, so a subscriber who falls within them should not have a problem paying their bill.
Finally, the proposal is based on the provisions of resolution RE-0098-JD- 2023, which establishes the corresponding information requirements supporting the adjustment proposal, which is duly grounded in the powers granted by law to the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos.
For the foregoing reasons, the argument is rejected.
2. Opposition: Carlos Garro Aguilar, identity card number 3-0492-0853. Observations: Speaks at the public hearing. Does not submit a written brief. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In his argument, he states:
There is a contradiction between two perspectives on the water rate increase. From the point of view of the water supply (acueducto) as a business, the adjustment helps to finance the acquisition of land to protect springs (nacientes) and improve infrastructure, something that was not possible before. However, he also expresses concern about the impact of the increase on users, especially those in conditions of poverty and extreme poverty.
Although he considers that the adjustment may seem radical, he believes it is part of a cultural change in the valuation of water in Costa Rica. While he is in favor of the increase from an administrative perspective, he admits that the transition will be difficult for the population. He highlights that the funds will allow for preventing environmental and sanitary problems in the future, such as those faced in his community between 2022 and 2024. In conclusion, he supports the measure, but acknowledges the need to manage its effects on the population.
Response:
Regarding the opposition proposed by Mr. Carlos Garro Aguilar, it is worth citing that Executive Decrees No. 39757 and No. 40711 establish that a system of targeted subsidies for users classified as basic poverty and extreme poverty must be implemented; however, it will only apply to billings for drinking water consumption and sanitation, not as regards the amount associated with the water resource protection tariff, as indicated in Article No. 4 of Executive Decree No. 39757-MINAE- of April 25, 2016:
"Article 4º-The methodologies for setting the rates of drinking water and sanitation system operators, must be based on criteria of distributive social justice, that take into account the social strata and the zone to which the users belong, so that those with greater payment capacity subsidize those with lower capacity, with the purpose of obtaining income such that they respond to the financial policy that the corresponding legal norms establish for drinking water and sanitation system operators. The State and its social assistance institutions may subsidize, totally or partially, areas or groups of users, who due to their economic conditions are unable to pay the established rates." It is important to mention that the resources generated with the Water Resource Protection Tariff must be allocated to cover the costs and expenses associated with the projects cited in this report, which will allow for protecting water sources, contribute to the sustainability of the water resource, and to climate change adaptation, for the benefit of all users of the Asadas.
Therefore, it is clarified that the TPRH is not included in the targeted social welfare plan of Executive Decrees No. 39757 and No. 40711, and Mr. Garro's participation is appreciated for showing himself in favor of the proposed tariff for the benefit of present and future generations.
3. Opposition: Diana Barbosa Quintero, residence card number 117001347412. Observations: Speaks at the public hearing. Does not submit a written brief. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In her argument, she states:
Furthermore, criticizes that the current regulations do not allow the networks to be handed over to public operators, which forces condominiums to assume additional expenses without viable alternatives. Points out that this affects the economy of the residents, forcing them to choose between paying for water or other basic necessities, and that it could trigger delinquency and put access to the service at risk.
Also warns that the lack of a clear response from the authorities and the lack of options to mitigate these costs represent a form of discrimination against those who live in residential units. Mentions examples of drastic increases in bills and fears that, with the increases projected until 2029, the situation will become unsustainable for many families.
Response:
It is important to indicate to Mrs. Barboza that the arguments pointed out by the user do not correspond to issues related to the proposed water resource protection tariff (tarifa de protección de recurso hídrico) nor to the projects that were set forth in the case file expediente ET-104-2024, and therefore it has no relation to the tariff request analyzed.
Regarding the issue of condominiums, through resolution RE-0028-IA-2024, the tariff categories of Large Residential Consumers (Grandes Consumidores Residenciales, GCR) were created, the definition of which is detailed below:
"Large Residential Consumers (GCR): applies to all residential subscribers of the aqueduct service (vertical condominiums, horizontal condominiums, apartments, small housing clusters, etc.) whose consumption is measured using a master meter (macromedidor) by the service provider, in accordance with the current Technical Regulation: "Provision of the supply of aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services." The consumption blocks or consumption ranges for this category are:
. 0 to 519 m3 . 520 to 1315 m3 . More than 1316 m3 Subsequently, resolution RE-0008-IA-2025 was issued on March 5, 2025, "THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT TAKES COGNIZANCE OF THE PARTIAL MODIFICATION OF RESOLUTION RE-0028-IA-2024, OF NOVEMBER 15, 2024, DENOMINATED 'TARIFF STRUCTURE OF THE REGULATED AQUEDUCT SERVICE IN COSTA RICA' AND PARTIAL MODIFICATION OF RESOLUTIONS RE-0031-IA-2024 OF NOVEMBER 15, 2024, RE-0033-IA-2024 OF DECEMBER 3, 2024, RE-0034-IA-2024 OF DECEMBER 6, 2024, AND RE-004-IA-2025 OF FEBRUARY 5, 2025." And the following consumption blocks were established:
. 0 to 2500 m3 . 2501 to 6000 m3 . More than 6001 m3 In this resolution, the aim was to expand the consumption blocks, allowing more consumption to be located in the first blocks, which have tariffs similar to the first two residential blocks.
On the other hand, the Technical Regulation: "Provision of the supply of Aqueduct, Sanitary Sewerage, and Hydrant Services (AR-RT-SUMAAH-2023)", in its article 20 establishes:
"Article 20. Infrastructure for the provision of public services built by developers. All infrastructure necessary for aqueduct, sanitary sewerage, and hydrant services, carried out by developers of urban projects, must be donated free of charge to the provider for its operation, maintenance, and future replacement and must be carried out in accordance with the procedures established by the service provider and following the design standards in force in the country.
In the case of condominiums, in accordance with the legislation regulating the matter, they may donate free of charge the infrastructure for the supply of aqueduct, sanitary sewerage, and hydrant services, together with the land and easements free of liens and annotations upon which the works rest, for the due operation, maintenance, and administration by the provider. Likewise, this infrastructure must comply with the design standards in force in the country and the approval of the service provider prior to being handed over." Given the above, there is indeed the possibility, as provided in the previous article, of handing over infrastructure to the service providers, provided the infrastructure complies with the current design standards and the provider's approval.
Based on the foregoing, the arguments are rejected.
4. Opposition: Xinia Gamboa Santamaria, identity card 2-0515-0556. Observations: Makes use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not present a written submission. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In her argument she indicates:
She has strong opposition to the tariff increases imposed by ARESEP, denouncing that they disproportionately affect communities and condominiums without considering their economic reality. She criticizes the lack of a clear response from the Regulatory Entity, pointing out that public hearings seem to be merely formal, without real impact on decisions.
She also argues that the ASADAS have lost autonomy and that the increases impose unjustified burdens, benefiting certain urban zones while punishing rural communities. She complains about the excessive bureaucracy for presenting oppositions and emphasizes that many citizens, especially older adults and low-income people, do not have the means to make their voices heard in the process.
The author warns about the social and economic consequences of these increases, pointing out that they could lead to a water access crisis, poverty, and conflicts within communities. She suggests that the government could be seeking to centralize water control in the country and warns about the risk of the resource becoming a source of conflict at the national and international level.
Response:
Regarding the tariff increase, this proposal stems from an initiative of the Public Services Regulatory Authority that promotes the conservation and protection of the water resource, which seeks to finance, via tariffs, hydrogeological and hydrological studies, master metering (macromedición) at sources, and promotes a new water culture, with the aim of incentivizing at the national level the protection and conservation of sources in order to guarantee access to potable water for present and future generations.
Furthermore, RE-0098-JD-2023 enables the possibility of opting for these initiatives, which are linked to the improvement in the availability, quantity, quality, continuity, and conservation of the service, so that in the exhaustive analysis carried out by the IA in the review of the proposals and their respective costs, these are incorporated within this tariff proposal and distributed over the five years for which the tariff is set.
The adjustment is not excessive; it maintains a relationship with progressive consumption intended to give the corresponding signals for the conservation and efficient use of the water resource. For example, for a consumption of 24 m3 monthly, it would be approximately ¢1,100 monthly.
Regarding the issue of public hearings, you are informed that the calls for the holding of the public hearing circulated in national circulation media, such as in the national circulation newspapers La Extra and La Teja on February 12, 2025; in addition, it was published in the official gazette La Gaceta No. 26 of February 10, 2025, being published in the corresponding media to promote citizen participation, and in this report, a response is given to each of the oppositions raised.
Regarding the autonomy of the Asadas, it is important to clarify that Article 6 of Law No. 7593 "Obligations of the Regulatory Authority" establishes that part of ARESEP's obligations is "d) Set tariffs and prices in accordance with technical studies," and as part of the obligations of the service providers is: "a) Comply with the provisions issued by the Regulatory Authority regarding service provision, in accordance with the provisions of the respective laws and regulations." According to Article 14 of this same law, therefore, the setting of this tariff seeks to protect water sources in compliance with the governing legal framework.
Based on the foregoing, the argument is rejected.
5. Opposition: Anthony Phillips Arguedas, identity card 1-1156-0997. Observations: Makes use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not present a written submission. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In his argument he indicates:
Many families choose to live in rural areas due to the lower cost of water, which helps balance the additional expenses that living far from cities entails, such as transportation and higher prices of consumer goods. However, with the new tariff increases, this advantage disappears, negatively affecting those who opted for this way of life.
The central problem pointed out is the classification of residential condominiums as large consumers, which subjects them to commercial tariffs that are unpayable for many families. It is argued that this measure is unjust, since residential condominiums do not generate profit from water, unlike businesses such as bottling plants or golf courses.
Furthermore, a legal and administrative obstacle is mentioned: in order for condominiums to be treated under residential tariffs, they are required to cede their internal aqueduct network, which is complicated and unnecessary. The key proposal is that a clear and fair criterion be established to guarantee that residential condominiums are treated as residential consumers, instead of automatically applying commercial tariffs to them.
Response:
Regarding the opposition of Mr. Anthony Phillips Arguedas, he is informed that the arguments pointed out by the user do not correspond to issues related to the proposed water resource protection tariff nor to the projects that were set forth in case file expediente ET-104-2024, and therefore it has no relation to the tariff request analyzed.
In light of the foregoing, the opposition presented is rejected.
However, you are informed that regarding the issue of condominiums, through resolution RE-0028-IA-2024, the tariff categories of Large Residential Consumers (Grandes Consumidores Residenciales, GCR) were created, the definition of which is detailed below:
"Large Residential Consumers (GCR): applies to all residential subscribers of the aqueduct service (vertical condominiums, horizontal condominiums, apartments, small housing clusters, etc.) whose consumption is measured using a master meter (macromedidor) by the service provider, in accordance with the current Technical Regulation: "Provision of the supply of aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services." The consumption blocks or consumption ranges for this category are:
. 0 to 519 m3 . 520 to 1315 m3 . More than 1316 m3 Subsequently, resolution RE-0008-IA-2025 was issued on March 5, 2025, "THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT TAKES COGNIZANCE OF THE PARTIAL MODIFICATION OF RESOLUTION RE-0028-IA-2024, OF NOVEMBER 15, 2024, DENOMINATED 'TARIFF STRUCTURE OF THE REGULATED AQUEDUCT SERVICE IN COSTA RICA' AND PARTIAL MODIFICATION OF RESOLUTIONS RE-0031-IA-2024 OF NOVEMBER 15, 2024, RE-0033-IA-2024 OF DECEMBER 3, 2024, RE-0034-IA-2024 OF DECEMBER 6, 2024, AND RE-004-IA-2025 OF FEBRUARY 5, 2025." In which the following consumption blocks were established:
. 0 to 2500 m3 . 2501 to 6000 m3 . More than 6001 m3 In this resolution, the aim was to expand the consumption blocks, allowing more consumption to be located in the first blocks, which have tariffs similar to the sum of the first two residential blocks.
6. Opposition: Johanna Luna Alfaro, identity card 2-0581-0746. Observations: Makes use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not present a written submission. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In her argument she indicates:
There is deep concern about the increases in water tariffs and a strong demand for transparency and justice for the subscribers of the ASADA of Chilamate and other affected communities. A series of key questions directed at ARESEP are presented, among them:
. What did ARESEP base itself on to authorize such high tariff increases for each ASADA?
. Were audits carried out to determine if each ASADA really needed or was entitled to a tariff increase?
. How is it justified that people in extreme poverty or with sick family members cannot access benefits because they are not in SINIRUBE?
. How is it explained that, without prior studies, some subscribers received significant reductions in their bills after filing a claim?
The speech also denounces the absence of the administrator of the ASADA of Chilamate at the hearing, which reinforces the perception of a lack of transparency. It is argued that this particular ASADA has sufficient resources, which calls into question the need for an increase.
The central proposal is the carrying out of independent audits to demonstrate that certain ASADAS do not require increases and that the increases have been applied without rigorous analysis. Denounces: "...I am going to mention it publicly, as they have had assets, assets that have disappeared." It is emphasized that the most affected party is the people, and ARESEP and AyA are urged to listen and act in favor of the citizens.
Response:
Regarding her arguments, the following is indicated:
What did ARESEP base itself on to authorize such high tariff increases for each ASADA?:
It is indicated that the IA based itself on the provisions of resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, which indicates the corresponding information requirements that support the adjustment proposal, which is duly grounded in the powers given by law to the Public Services Regulatory Authority, which are based on technical and legal aspects for the development of the proposed tariff.
The financial, accounting, and market information, as indicated in this report, was provided by the operators in response to what was requested in Resolutions RE-0010-IA-2024 and RE-0011-IA-2024.
Were audits carried out to determine if each ASADA really needed or was entitled to a tariff increase?
In addition to the information provided by the operators, it is clarified that the IA carried out visits to different Asadas nationwide throughout the 2023-2024 period, where the information corresponding to the tariff study was collected, so the particular aspects of the sample were considered, as well as the sector diagnosis included in this report, which reveals the needs of the sector.
It must also be remembered that the tariff setting is for all Asadas with a quality seal (sello de calidad) and not for one ASADA in particular. As substantiated in this report, a series of expenses and investments are included that the Asadas must undertake in favor of improving rural aqueducts and, therefore, for the benefit of their communities, seeking quality water for present and future generations.
How is it justified that people in extreme poverty or with sick family members cannot access benefits because they are not in SINIRUBE?
Regarding the poverty and extreme poverty benefit, Executive Decrees No. 39757 and No. 40711 establish that a system of targeted subsidies must be implemented for users classified as being in a condition of basic poverty and extreme poverty; however, it will only apply to billings for potable water consumption and sanitation, but not with respect to the amount associated with the water resource protection tariff, as indicated in Article No. 4 of Executive Decree No. 39757-MINAE- of April 25, 2016, so it is not possible to make a differentiation in this case for that group of subscribers.
How is it explained that, without prior studies, some subscribers received significant reductions in their bills after filing a claim?
Billing corrections can occur because the service operator made a poor measurement, a situation which is unrelated to the tariff adjustment proposal, and no arguments are derived that substantiate the statement made by the appellant, so with regard to this claim and the allegations made, it is not possible to delve further into the matter, as no proof of the affirmations is attached.
In addition to mentioning that billing claims must be processed in the first instance before the service provider, and the provider must address and resolve them. If they were not resolved, they could be presented at the ARESEP single window; this is not the appropriate channel for that procedure.
Based on the foregoing, the arguments are rejected.
7. Opposition: Johnny Méndez Pérez, identity card 1-0659-0448. Observations: Makes use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not present a written submission. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In his argument he indicates:
The gentleman emphasizes total rejection of the disproportionate increases in water tariffs and criticizes the lack of detailed analysis by ARESEP before implementing them. Several key points stand out:
1. Excessive and Unjustified Increase: A 100% to 400% increase is denounced, considered unprecedented and disproportionate.
· It is pointed out that such a steep increase can seriously affect low-income families, forcing them to cut basic needs.
2. Lack of Individualized Analysis · The methodology used to justify the hike and the lack of consideration for the economic capacity of subscribers are questioned.
· The application of a general formula for all ASADAS is criticized, without taking into account the particularities of each one.
· It is mentioned that the ASADA of Chilamate is well-equipped and financially stable, so it would not require such a high increase.
3. Key Questions for ARESEP · Will ASADAS be required to apply time-of-use bands in the service as part of the quality certification?
· Why is it established that ASADAS with fewer subscribers pay less when it should be the reverse due to economies of scale?
· What is the technical and economic justification behind the difference in tariffs according to the number of subscribers?
4. Demand for Greater Transparency and Justice · ARESEP is required to carry out detailed and specific studies for each ASADA before imposing increases.
· The need for a fair distribution of costs is emphasized to avoid negative impacts on the most vulnerable families.
The central message is clear: the increases should not be generalized or disproportionate, and ARESEP must render accounts regarding its tariff calculation process (.)".
Response:
Regarding argument 1: as is evident, the first year of the implementation of this TPRH proposal for the Asadas nationwide, as indicated in the report that was submitted to the Public Hearing, when applied for the first time, corresponds to the registration, billing, and payment of this by the users of the different Asadas nationwide. By way of example, it is clarified that the billing for an average residential consumption of 24 m3 would be approximately ¢1,100 monthly, where it is evident that this is not excessive and maintains a relationship with progressive consumption, efficient use of the resource, and its conservation.
Regarding argument 2: the appellant is clarified that, in accordance with the provisions of the current tariff methodology for determining the Water Resource Protection Tariff, approved under resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, it considers the technical, financial, market, and legal information requirements to determine the corresponding public service tariffs for this tariff setting. Additionally, in accordance with the provisions of Law 7593 of the Public Services Regulatory Authority, operators may request an ordinary tariff study at least once a year. Furthermore, the IA has developed support actions to guide operators on individualized ordinary adjustment requests, should the service provider consider it necessary.
The tariff methodology used was, in its time, submitted to the public hearing process as established by Law 7593, and therefore it is an endorsed instrument for carrying out tariff settings.
Regarding the targets for new costs and investment, if the Asada, at the time the setting was carried out, already has some of them, it must allocate the resources to execute the rest of the objectives established in the setting. Given the above, if in a period of less than the 5 years established in this setting, the Asada has carried out everything stipulated, it may carry out a review of its tariff.
Regarding argument 3: enabling a time-of-use tariff implies investment in smart meters, which were included in the tariff setting for the aqueduct service for the Asadas that complied with the regulatory quality seal, approved under resolution RE-0034-IA-2024, since with this type of meter, users will be able to opt for this benefit to optimize consumption and shift activities that allow them to make rational use of the resource and flatten the demand curve, bringing less water stress to the system. This is voluntary and at the request of the users.
In this same argument, it is clarified that indeed, when observing the different tariff schedules, there are economies of scale applied to the tariffs corresponding to each range of subscribers. This responds to the distribution of costs according to demand for each range of users, meaning that in Asadas with a smaller number of services, the average cost per cubic meter will be higher according to the system's characteristics.
It is important to take into account that, for the application of what is called the "Tariff Structure," factors such as the recovery of income by tariff category are considered, which influences the level of tariffs defined for each category and consumption block, ensuring the service-at-cost principle. Below, the table shows what is described for the case of residential tariffs:
Likewise, due to the heterogeneity present in the cost and demand characteristics of the Asadas, setting a single tariff that meets the particular needs of each one is not optimal; due to this, groupings by number of services are used, taking into account those groups in the sample identified with similar characteristics in both the cost and demand structure.
Thus ensuring the adequate recovery of the proposed revenues in accordance with the service-at-cost principle; likewise, the number of users allows for groupings that incorporate aspects such as infrastructure capacity, efficiency in service distribution, and incentives to reduce excessive consumption, taking into account that the first consumption blocks were built based on the average consumption of the categories and have the most accessible prices, as the intended goal, as has been indicated, is the efficient use of the water resource and conservation for present and future generations.
Regarding argument 4: as was indicated to the appellant in argument number 2, the tariff methodology used for the definition of this proposal is approved through resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, which contains the technical and legal grounding that supports the results obtained. Additionally, it is clarified that this report contains the regulatory criteria used for the estimation of each of the variables it considers, as well as the corresponding spreadsheets that support the sources of information used.
Finally, as has already been indicated, both the tariff methodology and this proceeding have followed the procedures defined in the Law, providing for the transparency of the processes, and all interested operators and users have been provided with spaces for training and advisory sessions that have been requested.
Given the analysis carried out on the previous points, the arguments of this opposition are rejected.
8. Opposition: Jose Pablo Gonzalez Araya, identity card 2-0589-0653. Observations: Makes use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not present a written submission. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In his argument he indicates:
1. Opposition to the Disproportionate Increase · The increase of up to 100% in billing is criticized, when originally only 26% was mentioned.
· It is considered an economic blow for families and small producers, who now face unsustainable costs.
· It is compared to other sectors like fuel, where increases can generate changes in consumption, but in the case of water, there is no alternative.
2. Consequences for the Local Economy · Small producers and families that depend on activities such as dairy farming and poultry farming are considering drilling their own wells instead of paying the new tariffs.
· This puts at risk the financial stability of the ASADAS, which have invested in infrastructure and improvements under the assumption of stable demand.
· It is feared that, in a few years, the ASADAS will have fewer users, which could affect their operability and sustainability.
3. Lack of Personalization in Tariffs · It is pointed out that the increase was generalized for the entire country, without considering the differences in operating costs between regions.
· It is mentioned that, in places with abundant water, such as San Carlos, Sarapiquí, and Heredia, supply costs are lower compared to drier zones.
· It is proposed that tariffs be adjusted according to the reality of each community, instead of applying a single model for all.
4. Proposal for Action · Direct dialogue with ARESEP is suggested to discuss a possible differentiated tariff by region or a staggered increase.
· The need for greater technical analysis and consultation with communities before imposing increases is raised.
· It is warned about the possibility that, if the tariff is not adjusted, many ASADAS could enter into a financial crisis due to the loss of users.
Response:
Regarding argument 1: the appellant is informed that it must be clarified and specified that Asadas without this tariff will have a 100% increase. As is evident, the first year of the implementation of this TPRH proposal for the Asadas nationwide, as indicated in the report that was submitted to the Public Hearing, when applied for the first time, corresponds to the registration, billing, and payment of this by the users of the different Asadas nationwide. By way of example, it is clarified that the billing for an average residential consumption of 24 m3 would be approximately ¢1,100 monthly, where it is evident that this is not excessive and maintains a relationship with progressive consumption, efficient use of the resource, and its conservation.
Furthermore, in the definition of consumption categories, the limit of the first block is always established based on average consumption, so subscribers who consume the average of their category should not present disproportionate increases in their billing. In those disproportionate bills, the first thing that must be analyzed is the consumption and verified if it is excessive, since the tariffs seek to promote efficient use and protection of the resource to guarantee access, quantity, and quality for present and future generations.
Regarding argument 2: As was indicated in the response to argument 1, this tariff setting seeks to generate a tariff signal that allows the Asadas to have sufficient resources to ensure the quality, quantity, and continuity of the water resource, through a progressive tariff signal, efficient use of the resource, and its conservation.
The management carried out by service users with the drilling of wells and other activities removed from the efficient management of the resource are outside the competencies established by law for the Public Services Regulatory Authority; the tariffs established in this proposal seek to guarantee the sustainability, not only economic and financial, of these service providers, but also to guarantee the quality of the water resource.
Now, water being a limited natural resource and a fundamental public good for life and health, it is necessary to manage it sustainably and equitably; its adequate supply must be ensured, and it must be made possible for the service to be within reach of all people, without jeopardizing the ecological balance.
For this, it is important to prevent the usurpation of traditional sources and their contamination, as well as illegal supplies; the providers and involved entities must supervise and control that this does not happen.
Regarding this matter and on the subject, it is established that pursuant to the Water Law (Ley de Aguas) No. 276 of August 26, 1942, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía, Minae) is responsible for disposing and resolving matters concerning the ownership, exploitation, utilization, governance, and surveillance of water.
At the same time, according to Law No. 2726, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, AyA) is the autonomous institution responsible for administering and operating the aqueduct and sewer systems throughout the country. This entity has been assigned the public purpose of supplying potable water throughout the national territory and guaranteeing the population water in sufficient quality and quantity to satisfy and develop their needs.
For its part, the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud, MINSA), in accordance with the General Health Law (Ley General de Salud) No. 5395, has the essential function of defining the national health policy, the formation, planning, and coordination of all public and private activities related to health, as well as the execution of those activities that fall within its competence according to the Law.
Therefore, it is evident that Minae, AyA, and MINSA all play an important role in the management of water resources and the protection of the human right to water. In this regard, Article 271 of Law No. 5395 states:
"(...) ARTICLE 271.- In the regions of the country where there are no public potable water supplies and until such time as they are established, the inhabitants must use the water supply systems for consumption and domestic use that the Ministry designates, and local authorities shall collaborate in disseminating information about methods for obtaining or purifying water intended for drinking (.)". (Highlighting not in original).
This article is clear in indicating that only in those cases where a public potable water supply network does not exist, the systems established by MINSA must be used; which consequently means that, conversely, if an aqueduct system exists or when it is established, there is an obligation to connect to it in order to receive the public potable water service.
An adequate supply of water resources is necessary to avoid reducing the risk of water-related diseases and to meet the consumption needs of the entire population through equal distribution; therefore, the providers of the public potable water service are the only ones designated by Law, concession, or permit to supply the service, which they do through their networks, and it is their obligation to provide it within the parameters of optimal provision regarding quality, quantity, continuity, reliability, equality, universal access, efficiency, timeliness, sustainability, and with a human rights approach.
This adequate organization of receiving the public potable water service through the aqueduct systems offered by the provider also aims to achieve the sustainability of the water service while ensuring its economic accessibility, where the rates for the supply service must be based on the principle of equity, in order to ensure that these services are within everyone's reach (Article 12, Law of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services No. 7593). It is established by Law and constitutional jurisprudence that access to public services is not free. These cannot be taken for free, nor can payment be avoided, because this would lead to an impact on the financial stability of the companies providing the service in the country.
In accordance with the foregoing, based on Article 25, subsection 2) of the Water Law (Ley de Aguas) No. 276 and Article 5 of the Regulation for the Drilling Permit and Water Concession for Self-Supply in Condominiums (Reglamento para el Permiso de Perforación y Concesión de Agua para Autoabastecimiento en Condominios) No. 35271-S-MINAE, the water exploitation concession is extinguished at the moment the public providers are able to directly supply potable water to the concession holder and the actual service connection occurs.
For this, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) or the competent operator must notify MINAE when infrastructure expansions are carried out, so that MINAE may notify users of the need to start the connection process.
The cited articles state:
Water Law (Ley de Aguas) No. 276:
"(...) Article 25.- Concessions shall be extinguished:
I.- Upon expiration of the term for which they were granted; II.- Upon cessation of the purpose for which the exploitation was intended; and III.- Upon expiration, which shall be declared administratively by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, after a hearing of the interested parties (.)". (Highlighting not in original).
Regulation No. 35271-S-MINAE
"(...) Article 5: Extinction of the concession. In accordance with Article 25, subsection 2 of the Water Law, the water exploitation concession shall be extinguished at the moment the public operators are able to directly supply potable water to the concession holder and the actual service connection occurs, in addition to the existing grounds that extinguish the concession. For this, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers or the competent operator must notify the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications, when infrastructure expansions are carried out, so that the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications may notify users of the need to start the connection process (...)".
From the regulations transcribed, the obligation to connect to the aqueduct system of the public service provider when it is technically feasible to do so is again evident. In the case of water exploitation concessions granted to private parties (for example, the case of wells), these will be extinguished once the public operators are able to directly supply potable water to the concession holder; for this, the corresponding provider must communicate the situation to MINAE so that the connection to the network and the extinction of the granted concession may begin.
Regarding argument 3 and 4: the appellant is informed that, in accordance with the provisions of the current tariff methodology for determining the Water Resource Protection Tariff (Tarifa de Protección del Recurso Hídrico), approved under resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, it considers the technical, financial, market, and legal information requirements to determine the corresponding public service rates for this tariff-setting. Additionally, in accordance with the provisions of Law 7593 of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services, it establishes that operators can request an ordinary tariff study at least once a year. Furthermore, the IA has developed support mechanisms to guide operators on requests for individualized ordinary adjustments, should the service provider consider it.
It is also indicated that in this report, an analysis of the reality of the Asadas at the national level has been carried out, and the proposal is focused on addressing the needs that were previously identified and documented.
In view of the foregoing, the opposition presented is dismissed.
9. Opposition: Karen Campos Carmona, identification number 2-0718-0064. Observations: Made use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not submit a written submission. Notifications: To the email: [email protected] In her argument, she indicates:
Problem with the Water Resource Protection Tariff (Tarifa de Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) · It should be clarified and specified that the ASADAS without this tariff will have a 100% increase, as variations in percentages may confuse users.
· The possible duplication of costs in the TPRH is questioned, as items such as administration, rent, office equipment, and water sample analyses are included, which are already covered under the aqueduct tariff.
· Transparency is requested in how these costs have been calculated to avoid unjustified overcharges. Doubts about the Cost of Water Quality Analyses · The amounts allocated to quality analyses in the TPRH are considered excessive.
· Experience with the Bandera Azul program is mentioned, where water analyses have cost 600,000 CRC, including microbiological and macroinvertebrate analyses.
· It is questioned whether these costs are already covered under the aqueduct tariff and whether expenses are being unnecessarily duplicated.
Confusion in the Charging Methodology for Large Consumers · It is reported that the Intendancy's training on the charging methodology for large consumers was contradictory.
· There is fear that the charges applied are incorrect, which could generate sanctions or legal problems for the ASADAS.
· Priority is requested in the clarification of this methodology.
Excessive Impact on Large Consumers · A case is mentioned where a condominium went from paying 4,000,000 CRC to 7,000,000 CRC and then to 24,000,000 CRC with the new tariff.
· With the TPRH, this amount would increase by an additional 600,000 CRC.
· An urgent review of these tariffs is requested before their application on July 13. (.)".
Response:
The appellant's first argument generates confusion, where it is indicated, according to him, that it must be clarified and specified that the Asadas without this tariff will have a 100% increase. As is evident, the first year of the implementation of this TPRH proposal for the Asadas nationwide, as indicated in the report that was submitted to the Public Hearing, since it is applied for the first time, the registration, billing, and payment of this by the users of the various Asadas nationwide applies. It is clarified by way of example that the billing for an average residential consumption of 24 m3 would be approximately ₡1,100 monthly, where it is evident that this is not excessive and maintains a relationship with progressive consumption, efficient use of the resource, and its conservation.
Regarding the claim of possible duplication of costs corresponding to the operation, maintenance, and administration of the Asadas, it is important to emphasize to the appellant that in the section of this report called IX Financial Analysis, it is clearly explained with due technical basis that there is no duplication of these, where the percentage assigned to TPRH corresponds to 3.45% of the total estimated costs for aqueduct, this to guarantee the recovery of 100% of these in the Asadas that provide this service and will implement the application of this TPRH proposal.
Regarding the doubts about the cost of potable water quality analyses to be carried out under the Water Resource Protection Tariff (Tarifa de Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH), they respond to the objective of recognizing the costs for the application of the parameters of the first (N1), second (N2), and third (N3) levels indicated in Decree 38924-S "Regulation for the Quality of Potable Water" (Reglamento para la Calidad del Agua Potable), the foregoing for each of the supply sources that the aqueduct possesses.
Hence, costs associated with the TPRH ensure the resources so that the regulated entities can fully comply with each of the aspects required and requested by the regulatory body from the public service providers.
For the definition of these costs, the market study conducted by the Water Intendancy for the Quality Verification Program was used, where on this occasion, cost information for analyses from four laboratories that provide said service was available. The associated average cost is indicated herein in the section called 4. Quality Program.
Regarding the method of billing large consumers, as indicated on multiple occasions to the appellant through different official means, the normative and application context of resolution RE-0078-IA-2024 on the partial suspension of the current technical regulation must be considered. Accordingly, the following is noted:
. From 07/17/2024 to 07/17/2025: the current methodology established through resolution RE-0078-JD-2024 applies.
. Starting 07/18/2025: the current regulation established in resolution RE-0013-JD-2024 applies.
The validity of this application may vary if the Board of Directors issues a binding guideline prior to the completion of the period established in resolution RE-0078-JD-2024.
And related to the last argument, he does not detail sufficient elements to determine the disproportionality indicated by him; he only indicates random amounts without any technical basis that can be addressed.
Therefore, the appellant's arguments are dismissed.
10. Opposition: Leonel Arburola Flores, identification number 6-0280-0080. Observations: Made use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not submit a written submission. Notifications: To the email: [email protected] In his argument, he indicates:
Concern for the Rights of Indigenous Communities. Inaccessibility to the public hearing: It is questioned whether the indigenous communities that are under the impact of these decisions, particularly those that have ASADAS or AyA aqueducts, have been duly consulted.
ILO Convention 169 is mentioned, which requires the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous populations when decisions affecting them are made.
The speaker demands a clear demonstration of how the government has fulfilled this obligation, given that many indigenous peoples did not have access to the hearings or were not duly informed about the changes.
Concern over Arbitrary State Action It is reported that institutions, such as ARESEP, are acting arbitrarily and without fulfilling their responsibilities. The intervention expresses a lack of confidence in the decision-making process, accusing the government of not having fulfilled its responsibilities towards indigenous communities, which are one of the most vulnerable sectors.
Lack of Internal Audit and Consideration of Local Particularities It is questioned whether ARESEP has conducted an internal audit of all the ASADAS and whether it has considered the sociodemographic particularities of the various areas of the country.
It is argued that conditions in different regions are not the same and that the tariff model proposed by ARESEP does not reflect these differences, which could be unfair to some communities.
The speaker highlights the inconsistency between what is preached by ARESEP and what actually occurs in communities, especially in terms of costs and efficient resource management.
Criticism of the Tariff-Setting Methodology The incoherence between the tariff amounts and the management of water resources in communities is mentioned, especially for those involved in the ASADAS.
The lack of consideration of local costs and the internal autonomy that many ASADAS have achieved in their water management is questioned, which contrasts with the imposition of tariffs that do not adjust to the reality of each community (...)".
Response:
Regarding what was indicated about the rights of indigenous communities:
In relation to what was stated by Leonel Arburola Flores, regarding his concern for the Rights of indigenous communities and inaccessibility to the public hearing, it is appropriate to inform him that the Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, Aresep) has provided space for citizen participation in regulatory processes.
Among these are public hearings where the interested population can present their position orally or in writing, in favor or against the subject under study.
With this aim and in order to give participation to all inhabitants of Costa Rica, including indigenous communities, on March 17, 2025, at 5:15 pm, the public hearing corresponding to the ex officio tariff study carried out in file ET-104-2024 was held virtually, related to the Tariff for the Protection of the Water Resource (Tarifa para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) provided by the Asadas nationwide (see in this regard the annex visible on folio 3481 of the file, regarding the publications made in the media La Teja, La Extra, and the Official Gazette La Gaceta, where the virtual holding of the public hearing was communicated).
The Constitutional Chamber has been developing the objective pursued with the public hearing as a mechanism for citizen participation, so that the hearing is not a mere formality within the tariff procedure, but rather, in consideration of the rights enshrined in Article 9 of the Constitution, it must allow effective citizen participation.
Precisely in Votes 2006-1796 of February 15, 2006, and 2006-01980 of February 17, 2006, the Constitutional Chamber analyzes the reform to Article 9 of the Political Constitution. In this latter vote, it indicated:
"(...) III.- SPECIFIC CASE. In ruling No. 2005-14654 at 2:24 p.m. on October 21, 2005, the Chamber noted that the public hearing established in Article 36 of the Law of Creation of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services involved a problem of fundamental rights protectable through the amparo process, specifically, the right to participate in public activity and decisions.
In this regard, it provided the following:
".the reform of Article 9 of the Constitution, by virtue of Law No. 8364 of July 1, 2003, has incorporated the principle of participation in the government of the Republic, thereby bringing about a substantial modification in the form of power. The incorporation of this principle into Article 9 implies much more than a formal, purely adjective matter of adding a new qualifier to Government, understood as the set of public powers (see ruling No. 919-99); it involves a substantial change in the design of democracy and radically expands the content of the democratic principle recognized in Article 1 and deployed throughout the Political Constitution, by adding the element of citizen participation to the principle and mechanisms of representation on which our democracy has traditionally rested. The Constitution, previously amended, has created specific mechanisms for citizen participation, such as the referendum and popular initiative, still pending legislative development; on the other hand, various laws predating the new constitutional text also contemplate other mechanisms through which individuals or communities intervene in public decision-making. Thus, for example, Article 361 of the General Law of Public Administration incorporates the hearing of representative entities of general or corporate interests in the procedures for drafting general regulations; Article 13 of the Municipal Code contemplates plebiscites, referendums, and town hall meetings. Thus, the existence of these instruments at the infra-constitutional level are signs of the existence of participatory democracy. In particular, Article 36 of the Law of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services No. 7593 of August 9, 1996, provides that the Regulatory Authority shall convene a hearing, in which persons with a legitimate interest may participate to express their views, for which purpose it shall order publication in La Gaceta and in two national circulation newspapers, among other things, the applications for the ordinary setting of public service rates and prices. After publication, a hearing shall be convened within a period of thirty calendar days for the presentation of oppositions based on technical studies.
(...)
From the cited reform of Article 9 of the Constitution, the participation of citizens in public decision-making provided for in the Constitution and laws acquires the rank and force of a fundamental constitutional right, the violation of which is subject to amparo (.)".
Likewise, regarding the objective sought by the public hearing, the Constitutional Chamber, through vote 015635-2006 at 10:52 a.m. on October 27, 2006, indicated:
"(...) The public hearing that the Regulatory Authority of Public Services must hold in cases where it processes a tariff increase study for public services aims to allow the exercise of the community's right to participation in a matter that directly affects them, prior to the administrative decision being made, and, in that way, constitutes a manifestation of the democratic principle (on this point, see ruling No. 2004-09434 at 11:26 a.m. on August 27, 2004). It is not a simple formal requirement, such that it can be set in a way that renders the exercise of the right it intends to protect nugatory, by being granted under conditions that impede or hinder the fulfillment of the objectives it is meant to achieve, in protection of the right to information and citizen participation. Likewise, it should not become an obstacle to issuing a timely resolution of the proceeding
(...)".
On the other hand, in its Vote No. 2006-017403 at 7:01 p.m. on November 29, 2006, it stated:
"(.) For this Chamber, the operation of public services must be available to the inhabitants, and these services must adapt to their conditions and not the other way around.
Now, having reached this point, it cannot be denied that today the majority of institutions suffer from obstacles in the face of user demands, which can end up distorting their very reason for being. In this case, setting public transportation fares is a matter that concerns, though not exclusively, but directly, the Indigenous Community of Talamanca, and not only because of their right to citizen participation but also by express provision of Article 6 of ILO Convention 169. That is, that conventional norm that obligates consultation with indigenous peoples on administrative measures that may affect them. Even logic indicates that such a situation would be negative for the interests of that community if the mechanisms, such as the public hearing, to achieve or persuade a fare increase in public transportation, are held in a place far from that locality, as is the case here, where it was held in San José. By doing so, the respondent has violated the rights of citizen participation (...)".
By virtue of the foregoing and given that the Constitutional Chamber has been emphatic in affirming that the public hearing cannot be granted under conditions that impede or hinder the protection of the right to information and citizen participation, just as it is negative for the interests of the linked community for the public hearing to be held in a place far from the community, this Regulatory Authority considered it appropriate to hold the public hearing at hand virtually, in accordance with the instruction "AU-IN-04: Instructions for holding public hearings virtually" (Instructivo para realizar audiencias púbicas de forma virtual), issued by the Regulatory Authority to that effect.
On the other hand, it is not considered that there was any obstacle to the effective enjoyment and exercise of users' rights. Article 36 of Law No. 7593 grants the administered party the opportunity to present their oppositions from the moment the call for the public hearing is communicated until the day of its celebration.
These are given equal treatment to those presented on the day of the hearing; that is, with the best attention to the arguments contained therein and with the utmost impartiality and justice.
Based on the foregoing, it is concluded that this Regulatory Authority duly consulted the indigenous peoples on the ex officio study corresponding to the Tariff for the Protection of the Water Resource for the country's Asadas, and consequently, the opposition is dismissed.
Regarding the points called concern over arbitrary state action, lack of internal audit, and consideration of local particularities: it is indicated that with respect to the statements made by this individual about arbitrariness, lack of audit, and particular considerations, it is indicated that the proposal is based on the provisions of resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, which establishes the corresponding information requirements that support the adjustment proposal, which is duly grounded in the powers granted by law to the Regulatory Authority of Public Services, which are based on technical and legal aspects for the development of the proposed tariff. Additionally, it is clarified that the IA conducted visits throughout 2024 to different Asadas nationwide where the information corresponding to the tariff study was collected, so the particular aspects of the sample were indeed considered.
Regarding the argument called criticism of the tariff methodology: it is indicated that this methodology clearly defines the conditions for aqueduct service providers to generate the income that allows them to cover the costs necessary not only to cover water resource protection projects but also to cover the operation and maintenance costs corresponding to this activity.
The tariff methodology, approved under resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, was submitted to the corresponding citizen participation process, where all interested parties were convened to present their arguments, whether in favor or against this instrument, at the public hearing held on March 16, 2023. Therefore, this is not the appropriate procedural moment to make observations without technical basis on the tariff methodology approved in resolution RE-0098-JD-2023 by the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services.
Based on the foregoing, the arguments are dismissed.
11. Opposition: Jose Ángel Cascante Matamoros, identification number 1-0783-0462. Observations: Made use of the floor at the public hearing. Does not submit a written submission. Notifications: To the email: [email protected] In his argument, he indicates:
Lack of Information and Adequate Summons by ARESEP Absence of an official summons: The ASADA of San Pedro did not receive any formal summons to participate in the hearing on the tariff increase, reflecting a lack of effective communication by ARESEP.
Through a group of friends from other ASADAS and regions, the ASADA learned of the link for the hearing, and from there, they took it upon themselves to communicate it to the subscribers. This highlights the lack of transparency in the dissemination of information.
ARESEP has not adequately informed the citizenry about the decisions being made, which has generated confusion and discomfort, as communities perceive the ASADAS as responsible for the increases, when in reality these are the entities responsible for transmitting ARESEP's decisions.
Concern about the Impact of the Tariff Increase on Vulnerable Communities.
The tariff increase has been perceived as disproportionate, especially by people of scarce resources, who are the most affected by these rate hikes.
In places like San Pedro, a community with high poverty rates, the lower class is seeing how the tariff increase affects their economic stability. This could have serious social consequences, as there is growing unrest and manifestations of aggression towards the members of the ASADA, who are erroneously seen as responsible for these increases. This type of situation generates generalized misinformation that fuels distrust in the ASADA and in those responsible for water management in the community.
Distrust in the Management of the Tariff Increase The people of the community have begun to see the members of the ASADA board of directors as enemies responsible for the increases, even though they have fulfilled their role of informing ARESEP about the mandatory changes in water management.
A call is made for ARESEP to reflect on the situation and consider the socioeconomic conditions of each community to apply a fairer and more proportional increase, especially for rural communities that depend on work in the countryside and whose payment capacity is more limited.
Proposal for a Proportional Increase According to Community Conditions The ASADA of San Pedro is willing to engage in dialogue and make proposals for ARESEP to review the tariff increases, suggesting that the ASADAS be classified according to their investment plan, growth, and income. This would allow the increases to adjust to the economic reality of each community.
The community is seeking a solution that is fairer, with a proportional increase that does not disproportionately affect people with low resources. Classifying the ASADAS according to their characteristics could be a way to apply more equitable tariffs.
Defenses of the Members of the ASADA - Concern is expressed about the difficult situation being experienced by the members of the ASADA board of directors, many of whom are elderly people who have dedicated their lives to water management in the community. These members are being accused of being responsible for the increases, which is generating tensions and affecting the image of the ASADA.
- Despite this, a call is made for reflection by all parties involved, recognizing that ARESEP must consider local realities and the difficulties of users so that the rate-setting process is fairer and more equitable (...)".
Response:
Regarding your arguments, the following is indicated:
Lack of Information and Adequate Summons by ARESEP: in this regard, it is indicated that in compliance with the due process established in Ley 7593, the summons corresponding to the holding of the public hearing were circulated in national media outlets, such as nationally in national media outlets like La Extra and La Teja on February 12, 2025, and were also published in the official gazette, La Gaceta No. 26, on February 10, 2025; therefore, the argument of absence of summons is moot, as it was published in the corresponding media to encourage citizen participation.
Concern about the Impact of the Rate Increase on Vulnerable Communities and Distrust in the Management of the Rate Increase: for this argument, it is indicated and clarified that the adjustment proposal corresponding to the TPRH, for example on a consumption of 24 m3 per month, would be approximately ¢1,100 per month; therefore, the appellant is informed that the adjustment is not excessive and maintains a relationship with the progressive consumption intended to provide the corresponding signals for the conservation and efficient use of water resources. Regarding the distrust concerning the management of the rate increase, it is indicated that the proposal is based on the provisions of resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, which establishes the corresponding information requirements that support the adjustment proposal, which is duly grounded in the powers granted by law to the Public Services Regulatory Authority.
Proposal for a Proportional Increase According to Community Conditions: as indicated in the previous argument, the rate adjustment proposal is not considered excessive, compared to what corresponds to the public services rate, where, as clarified in the previous point, the consumption of 24 m3 would be close to ¢1,100 per month.
Regarding the last argument related to the defense of the ASADA members, it is simultaneously indicated and clarified that this adjustment proposal corresponds to an initiative of the IA, based on its powers to conduct ex officio rate studies grounded in the rate methodologies and competencies, in which the citizen participation process and the corresponding technical basis have been guaranteed.
For the reasons stated above, the arguments are rejected.
12. Opposition: Andres Bonilla Cedeño, identity card number 1-1660-0126. Observations: Made use of the floor at the public hearing. Did not submit a written document. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected] In his argument, he indicates:
Problems with the Management of Large Consumers (Condominiums) - The large-consumer regime does not allow ASADAs to individualize water consumption within condominiums, which makes the adequate distribution of consumption among residents difficult.
- This especially affects condominium owners, who are impacted by collective consumption, without being able to regulate or distribute their consumption as people outside a condominium do.
- Condominium administrators, like the speaker, face this difficulty and feel that, by not being able to manage consumption individually, the rate increase affects condominium owners more abruptly.
Disproportionate Rate Increase for the Working Class - The rate increase is perceived as excessive, especially for those with low education levels or who earn a minimum wage, like many members of the working class.
- The speaker highlights that such an abrupt and disproportionate increase can generate great economic hardship for many families, because water is a fundamental service for daily life.
- In a context of water rationing, the rate increase is even more complicated, as families already face difficulties due to scarcity and service cuts.
Call for a More Detailed and Fair Study - A call is made to ARESEP to conduct a more detailed and rational study of the rates, which allows for establishing more proportional and equitable rates.
- The objective is that the increase is not so abrupt, but rather adjusts better to the socioeconomic realities of the Costa Rican people, especially for those who depend on minimum wages and face difficulties covering their basic needs (.)".
Response:
Regarding the arguments presented, the following is indicated:
Management of large consumers in condominiums: in this regard, the IA has issued resolutions RE-0028-IA-2024 and RE-0008-IA-2025. Additionally, through RE-0078-JD-2024, the way to bill condominiums for the drinking water supply service was defined, which is to charge each housing unit in the manner established in the Por Tanto III of resolution RE-0078-IA-2024, in the sense that each consumption unit contributes the corresponding proportion to the total bill; which is determined by dividing the total consumption registered on the meter by the number of residential units, in order to place the determined consumption within the current rate structure and charge according to the respective block determined in resolution RE-0008-IA-2025 for the "Large Consumer Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores, T-GC)" or for the "Large Residential Consumer of Social Good Rate (Tarifa Grandes Consumidores Residenciales de Bien Social, T-GCR-bs)".
Disproportionate Rate Increase for the Working Class: regarding this statement, it is clarified that the adjustment proposal corresponding to the TPRH, for example on a consumption of 24 m3 per month, would be approximately ¢1,100 per month; therefore, the appellant is informed that the adjustment is not excessive and maintains a relationship with the progressive consumption intended to provide the corresponding signals for the conservation and efficient use of water resources.
Request for a fairer rate study: in accordance with the provisions of the current rate methodology for determining the Water Resource Protection Tariff, approved under resolution RE-0098-JD-2023, this considers the technical, financial, market, and legal information requirements to determine the corresponding public services rates for the present rate-setting. Additionally, in accordance with the provisions of Ley 7593 of the Public Services Regulatory Authority, it is established that operators may request an ordinary rate study at least once a year. Furthermore, the IA has developed support programs to guide operators in requesting individualized ordinary adjustments, should the service provider consider it so.
For the reasons stated above, the arguments are rejected.
POSITIONS SENT TO THE CASE FILE:
13. Joinder: User Counselor, represented by Mr. Jorge Sanarrucia Aragón, bearer of identity card number 5-0302-0917. Observations: Did not make use of the floor at the public hearing. Submitted a written document (visible on folio 3494). Notifications: To the email address [email protected], [email protected] In his argument, he indicates the following:
Water Resource Protection Tariff (Tarifa para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) The TPRH is a tool designed to guarantee the sustainability of water resources, ensuring their availability for future generations. It is based on principles of intergenerational responsibility, ethics, and legality. Its implementation seeks to generate the necessary funds to preserve and protect water sources through investments in infrastructure and monitoring.
Allocation of TPRH funds The funds collected through the TPRH must be used exclusively for water conservation and efficient management projects. The need for transparent and regulated administration of these resources is emphasized, ensuring they are allocated solely to water sustainability programs.
Priority investment projects The TPRH proposal for the 2025-2029 period prioritizes three types of projects:
- Hydrogeological or hydrological studies to evaluate the situation of supply sources.
- Purchase of bulk meters (macromedidores) to monitor water use and reduce waste.
- Water Culture Programs, aimed at raising awareness and education on responsible resource consumption.
Impact on ASADAs and the water sector The implementation of the TPRH will benefit the ASADAs (Community Aqueduct Administration Associations), which represent 25% of the water supply market. It will allow for improving operational efficiency and promoting the regeneration of watersheds and aquifers. However, its application will require a significant effort in oversight, advice, and follow-up by the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP).
Standardization of the rate structure It is proposed to unify the rate structure of the ASADAs, aligning those without a Regulatory Quality Seal with those that do have one. This will facilitate the administration and billing of aqueduct service costs and the TPRH, avoiding the coexistence of different rate systems that could generate confusion.
Considerations for implementation It is warned that the correct application of the TPRH will require an effort in training and technical support for the ASADAs. It will also be necessary to ensure that the revenue is managed in accounts separate from the aqueduct service and is allocated exclusively to the stipulated projects (.)".
Response:
In the present rate adjustment proposal, the TPRH is an initiative of the Public Services Regulatory Authority that promotes the conservation and protection of water resources, which seeks to finance these projects via rates. Currently, the IA promoted, through case file ET-104-2024, the Water Resource Protection Tariff proposal to all ASADAs nationwide, with the purpose that these operators have sufficient resources to have hydrogeological and hydrological studies, bulk metering (macromedición) at the sources, and to promote a new water culture. This is for the purpose of encouraging the protection and conservation of sources nationwide. The idea is to be able to have a national-level mapping of where we take water for human consumption, what condition it is in, and what is the contamination risk to which they are exposed, in order to have a baseline to define subsequent lines of action.
Regarding the use of resources and the projects to be financed under this rate, projects associated with the conservation of water resources are promoted. The rate methodology for determining the Water Resource Protection Tariff, approved under RE-0098-JD-2023, enables the possibility of opting for these initiatives, which are linked to the improvement in the availability, quantity, quality, continuity, and conservation of the service. Therefore, in the exhaustive analysis carried out by the IA in the review of the proposals and their respective costs, these are incorporated into the present rate proposal and distributed over the five years for which the rate is set.
Additionally, regarding the impact on the total billing of users with a consumption level indicated by the User Counselor, as indicated in his argument, it is not disproportionate with respect to the total billing for the service. Additionally, the proposal entails decreases for the periods between 2026 and 2029, guaranteeing the provision of the service at cost in the rate proposal.
Regarding standardization, the aim is indeed to unify the rate structure of the water sector in Costa Rica, generating signals in terms of price and consumption for the conservation of water resources. Additionally, the User Counselor is informed that the Water Intendancy is promoting spaces for addressing inquiries and training for the correct administration and application of both the rate structure and the corresponding price and billing signals.
NON-ADMITTED POSITIONS Position: Jeffry Muñoz Valverde, identity card number 2-0512-0539. Observations: Did not make use of the floor at the public hearing. Submitted a written position in the body of the email and did not attach a signed document (visible on folio 3487). He was warned by means of prevention order No. AP-0037-DGAU-2025 (visible on folio 3504), notified on March 24, 2024 (visible on folio 3503-3507), which he did not comply with. Position rejected. Rejection Resolution No. RE-0061-DGAU-2025. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected], [email protected] Position: Fabiola Quirós Nájera, identity card number 2-0636-0483. Observations: Did not make use of the floor at the public hearing. Submitted an unsigned document (visible on folio 3501). She was warned by means of prevention order AP-039-2025, notified on March 26 (visible on folio 3508-3512), which she did not comply with. Position rejected. Rejection Resolution No. RE-0062-DGAU-2025. Notifications: To the email address: [email protected]
XII. CONCLUSIONS
1. The availability of information was the main limitation for developing the proposal; therefore, the data were based on the information collected for the national aqueduct rate-setting. In which, the IA collected the information corresponding to the market and accounting financial information, associated with the operation of the ASADAs, through official letters, telephone calls, and visits by IA officials to build the database that supports the rate proposal.
2. The IA, through the issuance of resolutions RE-0010-IA-2024 and RE-0011-IA-2024, established the information requirements on economic regulation, quality regulation, and implementation of the regulatory quality seal, which are fundamental for the information corresponding to this rate adjustment proposal.
3. Once the information collection was completed, a complete database of 176 ASADAs was obtained, from which, upon conducting a review of uniformity and consistency in the data, only 88 ASADAs were distinguished as having data that meet the requirements for both market data and financial-accounting information.
4. Additionally, said information was complemented with data provided through the individual rate-setting processes that the Intendancy has processed for the Water Resource Protection Tariff in ASADAs. Based on these 8 rate-setting procedures, an average cost allocation percentage of 3.45% was determined; likewise, quotations were used to determine the cost of the investment projects.
5. In this sense, for the proposed operation, maintenance, and administrative costs, the weighted average of the selected sample of ASADAs was considered, multiplied by the allocation percentage identified in the previous point; thereby, an average amount of ¢3,288,704.30 is determined for the five-year period.
6. Regarding the variable called depreciation expense, the depreciation expense of existing assets and the depreciation of new investments were considered, so that the resources are used for the replacement of assets that reached the end of their useful life; on average for the 2025-2029 five-year period, this corresponds to an amount of ?110,892.41.
7. Upon observing the different needs for the water resource protection service identified in the ASADAs, the execution of new costs and investment projects are proposed for this rate study. These incorporate the contracting of a hydrogeological or hydrological study according to the need at the sources of the ASADA respectively; resources for the purchase of 5 bulk meters (macromedidores) and quality analyses for the sources that the ASADA has are incorporated; and, finally, resources to carry out the "Water Culture" program for approximately 437 people per year.
8. According to this, the amounts proposed by the IA for the execution of new costs and additional investments for the 2025 to 2029 five-year period are ?6,037,503.06, ?6,447,001.33, ?8,619,382.53, ?8,877,964.01, and ?9,144,302.93, respectively.
9. On average, the total income needs for the 2025 to 2029 five-year period of this rate adjustment proposal amount to ?11,529,524.28.
10. ASADAs present water loss levels much higher than the average for operators in the region, which generates distortions in the cost structure of the service. Water losses can be divided into physical losses (due to leaks and damage to infrastructure) and commercial losses (such as illegal connections or measurement errors). These inefficiencies not only increase operational costs but also impact the availability of the resource and the sustainability of the service.
11. Excessive water losses force the extraction of larger quantities of the resource to satisfy demand, which generates overexploitation of aquifers and can lead to problems such as water stress, contamination, and salinization.
It is crucial to reduce these losses to avoid unsustainable exploitation and guarantee access to water in the future.
12. Only a portion of the ASADAs has conducted water capacity studies, which reflects a lack of adequate planning at the national level. Conducting hydrogeological studies and improving resource management is fundamental to guarantee water availability and the long-term sustainability of the service.
13. The proposed average price obtained for the five-year period amounts to ?45 per cubic meter.
14. The rate categories and consumption blocks are established according to the descriptions proposed in resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, thus including the following categories and blocks:
15. The aforementioned rate categories are defined as follows:
- Residential: includes dwelling houses and apartments intended for the exclusive use of permanent or long-stay accommodation (sleeping, basic needs and personal hygiene, preparing and consuming food).
- Large Consumers: Applies to all large consumers of the aqueduct service (vertical and horizontal condominiums, apartments, hamlets for both residential and mixed-use) whose consumption is measured via a bulk meter (macromedidor) by the service provider, in accordance with the current Technical Regulation: "Provision of aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant service supply." - Large Residential Consumers of Social Good: This applies only to those Large Residential Consumers of social good duly established as such by the Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (Banhvi) or by the State institution that holds this competence.
- Commerce and Services: Incorporates companies classified in the commerce or services sector, according to the classification of economic activities (ISIC code). In these establishments, the aqueduct service is used for the purpose of selling finished products or providing services. This category also applies to all government establishments, including the Central Government and community centers (halls), except hospitals, clinics, and Ebais, public companies, and decentralized Institutions.
Furthermore, it must be applied to the supply of drinking water in motels, hotels, or short-stay lodging (vacation accommodation), private hospitals and clinics, and other establishments related to for-profit activities and that require a municipal license to operate.
Drinking water consumption for common areas that have their own metering.
- Industry: Applies to companies classified in the industrial sector according to the classification of economic activities (ISIC code) used by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR). The service is used for the purpose of producing goods from raw materials or assembling them for sale.
- Preferential: includes activities of a social nature, which are registered with legal status. This category comprises the following activities:
. Education: only for educational centers belonging to the public state education sector (preschool centers, elementary education schools, special education schools, secondary education high schools, technical secondary education high schools, university colleges, universities, and public libraries, including facilities dedicated exclusively to the public educational activity). Excluded from these categories are restaurants, canteens, student residences, photocopy centers, and others; even if they are under the name of educational entities, they will not qualify for this rate and must be placed within the corresponding one.
. Religion: applies to temples of legally constituted churches whose service is under the name of the legal entity that carries out the religious activity; any other activity not directly related to religious worship will be excluded from the rate.
. Protection of children and the elderly: covers nursing homes, homes for the elderly and/or disabled persons, state-promoted daycare centers, and public homes for children, which must be of a charitable and non-profit nature, legally constituted, and whose service is under the name of the legal entity that carries out the activity.
. Care for the destitute: includes establishments for the care of homeless individuals or those with drug addiction, which operate on a non-profit basis, are legally constituted, and whose service is under the name of the legal entity that carries out the activity. Assistance and relief institutions: includes those whose purpose is social assistance for low-income groups or the protection of persons in cases of disasters or crisis situations. All of a charitable and non-profit nature. In these cases, the rate will be applied exclusively in the buildings and other properties used expressly for the cited purposes.
. Hospitals and clinics: only applies to the hospitals, clinics, and Ebais of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund.
- Fixed Services: Fixed services are those in which the subscribers do not have a water meter (hidrómetro); therefore, a specific amount or linear fixed rate is established according to the type of rate category to which it belongs. This will be of a provisional or temporary nature, for a maximum period until July 31, 2025, in order to allow providers to install water meters (hidrómetros) or suspend the service in accordance with resolution RE-0034-IA-2024.
- Bulk Water: purchase and sale of raw or drinking water in large volumes, according to the following detail:
. Conduction Rate (Tarifa-Conducción, T-C): interconnection for carrying out water purchase and sale transactions that takes place in the section of pipeline intended to convey water from the source to the distribution tank or treatment plant.
. Treatment Rate (Tarifa-Tratamiento, T-T): interconnection for carrying out water purchase and sale transactions that takes place downstream of the purification process; it involves all the physical, mechanical, and chemical elements and processes (desander, primary sedimentation tank, dosing devices, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, among others) that will make the water acquire the necessary characteristics for it to be suitable for consumption.
. Distribution Rate (Tarifa-Distribución, T-D): interconnection for carrying out water purchase and sale transactions that takes place in the pipe system responsible for delivering water from the storage tanks to the users' consumption points.
16. For the bulk water rate, users are identified in three broad categories, for which a detailed record of the transactions must be maintained according to the stages of the value chain. These users, in accordance with resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, correspond to:
. Water service provider: Buyer or seller of raw water (without purification) as well as drinking water. In the case of water sales between providers, the conditions agreed upon by the parties must be respected, as well as the rates and conditions for service provision set by Aresep.
. Private company: A legal entity not connected to its supply network that requires it, such as water transporters or anyone requesting it for temporary use, in accordance with the procedures and requirements established by the provider.
. Ports and airports: Vessels in national ports and airports for their provisioning.
17. According to resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments, the water sales modality with discrimination based on hourly consumption bands is incorporated through the Residential Time-of-Use Rate, for which the corresponding charge for the Water Resource Protection must be applied. For this, the following is defined:
- Residential Time-of-Use Rate (Tarifa Residencial Horaria, T-Re-H): One in which subscribers may manage their water consumption according to the established schedule; additionally, it will allow residential users of the regulated aqueduct service provided in the country to contribute the amount required for the protection of the water resource. This excludes the supply to common areas of residential condominiums that have individual metering.
. Definition of Time Periods:
Peak 1: between 10:01 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Peak 2: between 6:01 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Off-Peak 1: between 5:31 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Off-Peak 2: between 1:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Off-Peak 3: between 9:01 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Nighttime: between 11:01 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
. Application: For water supply to single-family dwelling houses and apartments, which serve exclusively as permanent accommodation, including supply to common areas of residential condominiums.
It does not include supply to common areas of mixed-use condominiums (residential-commercial-industrial), recreational areas, motels, hotels, cabins or vacation homes, hospitals, hospices, combined services (combined activities: residential, commercial, and industrial), apartment buildings served by a single meter, nor establishments related to for-profit activities.
18. Regarding the Residential Time-of-Use Rate, this seeks to generate an incentive by changing consumption behavior among service users. For this, a rate differentiation is incorporated according to the established time bands, such that for peak periods, the rate of the highest block of the residential category is established; for the time periods designated as off-peak, the rate is equivalent to the average price; and, finally, for the nighttime period, the price corresponds to that designated for the lowest block of the residential category.
19. The prepaid water sales modality is incorporated in accordance with the provisions of resolution RE-0028-IA-2024 and its amendments. For this, the following is defined:
- Prepaid Rate (Tarifa Pre-Pago, T-PP): The application of prepaid water rates (tarifas de agua prepagada) is established, which are a way to guarantee that users of the different rate categories pay for their water consumption in advance. This can help reduce water waste and guarantee that water is available for all who need it, as well as generate awareness among subscribers of their water consumption.
20. Regarding the rate for the water resource protection service provided by the ASADAs, it is distinguished by having only one component related to the volume of consumption, called the variable charge.
21. The estimation of the market variables, namely subscribers and consumption, was carried out using the growth rate method. For this, an average growth of 7.13% in cubic meter consumption and 8.03% in subscribers was identified within the sample, in accordance with the provisions of resolution RE-0034-IA-2024.
22. Regarding fixed services, according to resolution RE-0034-IA-2024, said rate is established with a validity of up to July 31, 2025, a period in which operators must resolve the metering for said subscribers, as this practice contravenes the efficient use of water resources.
23. For those Asadas that do not have a quality seal and maintain tariffs established in Por Tanto I of resolution RIA-006-2017 corresponding to the "Meta" tariff schedule, the respective schedules are presented with the re-weighting of said tariffs for the aqueduct service using the new tariff structure. It should be noted that this adjustment does not result from a new tariff setting, but rather from incorporating the proposed categories and blocks.
24. Likewise, for the individual tariff settings of the Asadas Lomas de Zurquí (Sewerage), Sucre (Water Resource Protection), Labrador (Aqueduct), San Pedro de Barva (Aqueduct), the re-weighted schedules with the new tariff structure are established, which respect the required revenues established in the corresponding settings (.)".
II.In accordance with the preceding resultandos and considerandos and based on the merit of the case file, the appropriate course is to set the Tariffs for Water Resource Protection (Tarifas para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) for the Community Aqueduct Management Associations of the Country (Asociaciones Administradoras de Acueductos Comunales, Asadas), as ordered.
Based on the powers granted in Law N° 7593 and its amendments, in the General Public Administration Law N° 6227, in Executive Decree 29732-MP, which is the Regulation to Law N° 7593, in the Internal Regulation of Organization and Functions of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services and its Deconcentrated Bodies (RIOF) THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT RESOLVES
I.To set the Tariff for Water Resource Protection (Tarifa para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) for the Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) that do not have individual settings for this service, in accordance with the following detail:
a. Range from 1 to 100 subscribers:
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) Tariff for Water Resource Protection (TPRH) Range from 1 to 100 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas with 1 to 100 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 45 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 58 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 1 to 100 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 853 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 745 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 3,997 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,273 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 80,505 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 80,505 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 1 to 100 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Prepayment Modality | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 45 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 58 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 50 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 1 to 100 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Hourly Residential Modality | | | | | |
| Time Band | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Hourly Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 3 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Night | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
b. Range from 101 to 300 subscribers:
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection Service Range from 101 to 300 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 41 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 52 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 62 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 834 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 788 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,229 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,709 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 85,187 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 85,187 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Prepayment Modality | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 41 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 52 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 62 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 60 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 44 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection Service Hourly Residential Modality Range from 101 to 300 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas with 101 to 300 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Hourly Residential Modality | | | | | |
| Time Band | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Hourly Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 3 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Night | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 41 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
c. Range from 301 to 1000 subscribers:
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection Service Range from 301 to 1000 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 40 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 43 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 48 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 68 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 820 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 821 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,405 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,709 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 88,724 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 88,724 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Prepayment Modality | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 40 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 43 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 48 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 65 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 68 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 63 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 46 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 55 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 66 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with 301 to 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Hourly Residential Modality | | | | | |
| Time Band | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Hourly Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 54 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 3 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Night | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 40 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
d. Range of Over 1000 subscribers:
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection Service Range of Over 1000 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas with Over 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 69 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 72 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 67 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with Over 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 799 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 873 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4,686 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 5,010 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 94,384 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per month | | | | | |
| Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 94,384 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
| Asadas with Over 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Prepayment Modality | | | | | |
| Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 15-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 42 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 61 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 57 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 66 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 69 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Industry Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 72 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 121 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 67 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ? Large Residential Social-Interest Consumers Tariff | | | | | |
| Top-up per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 49 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Block 6001 and over | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 70 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas) Water Resource Protection Service Hourly Residential Modality Range of Over 1000 subscribers Tariff schedule
| Asadas with Over 1000 services | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Hourly Residential Modality | | | | | |
| Time Band | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Hourly Residential Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 53 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 1 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 2 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Off-Peak 3 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Night | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
e. Bulk water:
Community Aqueduct Management Associations (Asadas).
Bulk water tariff schedule Effective from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025
| Asadas | Current* | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2029 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale | | | | | |
| Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Bulk Water Sale Tariff | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 17 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Potabilization | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 5 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 25 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Source: Prepared by the Water Superintendency, ARESEP.
II.Define the tariff descriptions for the implementation of the tariff structure of the Water Resource Protection Tariff (Tarifa para la Protección del Recurso Hídrico, TPRH) for the Community Water Supply and Sanitation System Administrative Associations (Asociaciones Administradoras de Sistemas de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Comunales, Asadas) with the following detail:
- Residential: includes dwelling houses and apartments intended for the exclusive use of permanent or long-stay lodging (sleeping, basic needs and personal hygiene, preparing and consuming food).
- Large Consumers: Applies to all large consumers of the water supply service (vertical condominiums, horizontal condominiums, apartments, hamlets for both residential and mixed use) whose consumption is measured by the service provider using a master meter, in accordance with the current Technical Regulation: "Provision of water supply, sewerage, and hydrant services" (Reglamento Técnico: "Prestación del suministro de los servicios de acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes").
- Large Residential Consumers of Social Welfare: This applies only to those Large Residential Consumers of social welfare duly established as such by the Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (Banhvi) or by the State institution that holds that competence.
- Commerce and Services: Incorporates companies classified in the commerce or services sector, according to the economic activities classification (ISIC code), in these establishments the water supply service is used for the purpose of selling finished products or providing services. This category also applies to all government establishments including the central Government and community centers (halls), except for hospitals, clinics, and Ebais, public enterprises, and decentralized Institutions.
Furthermore, it must be applied to the supply of potable water in motels, hotels, or short-stay accommodations (vacation lodging), private hospitals and clinics, and other establishments related to for-profit activities that require a municipal license to operate.
Potable water consumption for common areas that have their own metering.
- Industry: Applies to companies classified in the industrial sector according to the economic activities classification (ISIC code) used by the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR). The service is used to manufacture products from raw materials or to assemble them for sale.
- Preferential: includes activities of a social nature, which are registered with legal person status. This category comprises the following activities:
-Education: only for educational centers belonging to the state public education sector (preschool education centers, primary schools, special education schools, secondary schools, technical secondary schools, university colleges, universities, and public libraries, including facilities dedicated exclusively to public educational activity). Excluded from these categories are restaurants, sodas (small eateries), student residences, photocopy centers, and others; even if they are under the name of educational entities, they will not enjoy this tariff and must be placed in the corresponding category.
-Religion: applies to temples of legally constituted churches where the service is under the name of the legal entity that carries out the religious activity; any other activity not directly related to religious worship will be excluded from the tariff.
-Protection of children and the elderly: covers homes and asylums for the elderly and/or persons with disabilities, daycare centers promoted by the State, and public homes for children, which must be of a charitable and non-profit nature, legally constituted, and where the service is under the name of the legal entity that carries out the activity.
-Care for the indigent: contemplates establishments for the care of homeless persons or drug addiction, which operate non-profit and are legally constituted, and where the service is under the name of the legal entity that carries out the activity. Assistance and relief institutions: includes those whose purpose is social assistance for groups with scarce economic resources or the protection of persons in case of disasters or crisis situations. All of a charitable and non-profit nature will be applied exclusively in buildings and other properties expressly used for the mentioned purposes.
-Hospitals and clinics: only applies to hospitals, clinics, and Ebais of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.
-Fixed Services: Fixed services are those in which subscribers do not have a water meter, thus a specific amount or linear fixed fee is established according to the type of tariff category to which they belong. This shall be of a provisional or temporary nature, for a maximum term of 6 months, so as to allow providers to install water meters or suspend the service.
- Wholesale Water (Agua en Bloque): purchase-sale of raw or potable water in large volumes, according to the following detail:
-Tariff-Conduction (Tarifa-Conducción, T-C): interconnection for carrying out water purchase-sale transactions that takes place in the section of pipe intended to conduct water from the source to the distribution tank or treatment plant.
-Tariff-Treatment (Tarifa-Tratamiento, T-T): interconnection for carrying out water purchase-sale transactions that takes place downstream of purification, involving all the physical, mechanical, and chemical elements and processes (desander, primary sedimentator, dosing devices, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, among others) that will make the water acquire the necessary characteristics to be suitable for consumption.
-Tariff-Distribution (Tarifa-Distribución, T-D): interconnection for carrying out water purchase-sale transactions that takes place in the pipe system responsible for delivering water from storage tanks to users' consumption points.
III.To standardize the tariff structure for the Asadas that do not have the Regulatory Quality Seal from the Intendencia de Agua and that apply the tariffs in accordance with the provisions of the target tariff schedule of resolution RIA-006-2017; such that their tariffs are adjusted as follows:
Community Water Supply Administrative Associations (Asadas) Water supply service tariff schedule target schedule RIA-006-2017 | ASADAS | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 | Variation | Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Supply Service | From 1 to 100 | From 101 to 300 | From 301 to 1000 | More than 1000 | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Absolute | Relative | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 360 | ? 298 | ? 245 | ? 180 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | ? 344 | ? 283 | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 486 | ? 402 | ? 331 | ? 243 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 540 | ? 447 | ? 368 | ? 270 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 508 | ? 330 | ? 269 | ? 199 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 582 | ? 388 | ? 315 | ? 236 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 762 | ? 506 | ? 410 | ? 302 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industry Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 536 | ? 359 | ? 289 | ? 211 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 832 | ? 548 | ? 447 | ? 328 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 480 | ? 313 | ? 258 | ? 189 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 709 | ? 461 | ? 380 | ? 279 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 513 | ? 333 | ? 271 | ? 201 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 663 | ? 437 | ? 355 | ? 263 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 787 | ? 522 | ? 423 | ? 313 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 270 | ? 223 | ? 184 | ? 135 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | ? 344 | ? 283 | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 486 | ? 402 | ? 331 | ? 243 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 540 | ? 447 | ? 368 | ? 270 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 180 | ? 149 | ? 123 | ? 90 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | ? 344 | ? 283 | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 486 | ? 402 | ? 331 | ? 243 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 540 | ? 447 | ? 368 | ? 270 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Welfare Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 360 | ? 234 | ? 193 | ? 142 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 663 | ? 437 | ? 355 | ? 263 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 787 | ? 522 | ? 423 | ? 313 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 3 100 | ? 3 100 | ? 2 800 | ? 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP Community Water Supply Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Water supply service tariff schedule target schedule RIA-006-2017 Fixed Services | ASADAS | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Variation | Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Supply Service | From 1 to 100 | From 101 to 300 | From 301 to 1000 | More than 1000 | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Absolute | Relative | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 7 535 | ? 6 228 | ? 5 132 | ? 3 772 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Basic Poverty Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 6 185 | ? 5 112 | ? 4 212 | ? 3 096 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Extreme Poverty Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 4 834 | ? 3 995 | ? 3 292 | ? 2 420 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 9 110 | ? 5 919 | ? 4 815 | ? 3 564 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industry Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 51 554 | ? 34 545 | ? 27 771 | ? 20 327 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 49 405 | ? 32 145 | ? 26 488 | ? 19 469 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 384 754 | ? 251 052 | ? 203 833 | ? 151 001 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Welfare Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per month | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Service | per month | Not applicable | ? 305 518 | ? 199 763 | ? 163 616 | ? 120 598 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Community Water Supply Administrative Associations (Asadas).
Water supply service resolution RIA-006-2017 Wholesale Water | ASADAS | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Supply Service Wholesale Water Sale | From 1 to 100 | From 101 to 300 | From 301 to 1000 | More than 1000 | | | | | | Stage of the value chain | Charge detail | | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed | | | | ? Wholesale Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 159 | ? 122 | ? 101 | ? 74 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Purification | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 48 | ? 37 | ? 30 | ? 22 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 238 | ? 183 | ? 151 | ? 111 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | | | | |
IV.To standardize the tariff structure for the individual tariff settings of the Asadas Lomas de Zurquí (Sewerage), Sucre (Water Resource Protection), Labrador (Water Supply), San Pedro de Barva (Water Supply); such that the schedules with the new tariff structure are adjusted according to the following detail:
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) San Pedro de Barva.
Water supply service Tariff schedule | Asada San Pedro de Barva | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water supply service | | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | Proposed | | | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 304 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 353 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 441 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 300 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 700 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 469 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 618 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 746 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 900 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industry Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 470 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 920 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 461 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 606 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 460 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 767 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 833 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Tariff with basic poverty | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 228 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 353 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 441 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 300 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 700 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Tariff with extreme poverty | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 152 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 353 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 441 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 300 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 1 700 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers social welfare Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 460 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 767 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 833 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 2 800 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) San Pedro de Barva.
Tariff schedule Wholesale Water Sale Service | Asada San Pedro de Barva | Current* | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wholesale Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Stage of the value chain | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Wholesale Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 129 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Purification | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 39 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 194 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
| Asada San Pedro de Barva | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water supply service | | | | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | Proposed | | | | | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 304 | ? | 318 | ? | 13 | 4.41% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 353 | ? | 342 | -? | 11 | -3.07% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 441 | ? | 368 | -? | 72 | -16.43% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 500 | ? | 424 | -? | 76 | -15.18% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 1 300 | ? | 1 600 | ? | 300 | 23.08% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 1 700 | ? | 2 000 | ? | 300 | 17.65% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? | 469 | ? | 399 | -? | 70 | -14.87% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? | 618 | ? | 500 | -? | 118 | -19.10% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? | 746 | ? | 565 | -? | 181 | -24.28% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? | 1 900 | ? | 2 200 | ? | 300 | 15.79% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Industry Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 470 | ? | 397 | -? | 73 | -15.48% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 920 | ? | 729 | -? | 191 | -20.78% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 461 | ? | 386 | -? | 75 | -16.32% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 606 | ? | 439 | -? | 167 | -27.51% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 460 | ? | 397 | -? | 63 | -13.60% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 767 | ? | 639 | -? | 127 | -16.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 833 | ? | 708 | -? | 125 | -14.95% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Residential Tariff with basic poverty | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 228 | ? | 238 | ? | 10 | 4.40% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 353 | ? | 342 | -? | 11 | -3.07% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 441 | ? | 368 | -? | 72 | -16.43% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 500 | ? | 424 | -? | 76 | -15.18% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 1 300 | ? | 1 600 | ? | 300 | 23.08% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 1 700 | ? | 2 000 | ? | 300 | 17.65% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Residential Tariff with extreme poverty | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 152 | ? | 159 | ? | 7 | 0.044023917 | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 353 | ? | 342 | -? | 11 | -3.07% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 441 | ? | 368 | -? | 72 | -16.43% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 500 | ? | 424 | -? | 76 | -15.18% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? | 1 300 | ? | 1 600 | ? | 300 | 23.08% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? | 1 700 | ? | 2 000 | ? | 300 | 17.65% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | ? Large Residential Consumers social welfare Tariff | | | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 460 | ? | 397 | -? | 63 | -13.60% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 767 | ? | 639 | -? | 127 | -16.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 833 | ? | 708 | -? | 125 | -14.95% | | Fixed charge | | | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? | 2 800 | ? | 2 800 | ? | - | 0.00% | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | | | | | | Asada San Pedro de Barva | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wholesale Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Stage of the value chain | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Wholesale Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 129 | ? 124 | -? 5 | -3.83% | | Purification | per m3 | ? 39 | ? 37 | -? 1 | -3.83% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 194 | ? 186 | -? 7 | -3.83% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Water supply service Tariff schedule | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 364 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 409 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 591 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 500 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 568 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 454 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,022 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 364 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 454 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 454 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 523 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 818 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 307 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 409 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 591 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 2,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 182 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 409 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 591 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 2,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 341 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 523 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 818 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,000 | ? 2,200 | ? 200 | 10.00% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Bulk Water Sale | Asada Labrador | Current* | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 197 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Potabilization | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 59 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 295 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Aqueduct Service | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 364 | ? 334 | -? 30 | -8.23% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 409 | ? 393 | -? 17 | -4.03% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 591 | ? 471 | -? 120 | -20.26% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 707 | -? 293 | -29.33% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 500 | ? 393 | -? 107 | -21.48% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 568 | ? 737 | ? 169 | 29.68% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 864 | -? 136 | -13.62% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 454 | ? 393 | -? 62 | -13.62% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 1,022 | ? 883 | -? 139 | -13.62% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,800 | ? 600 | 27.27% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 364 | ? 381 | ? 17 | 4.73% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 454 | ? 432 | -? 23 | -4.97% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 454 | ? 393 | -? 62 | -13.62% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 523 | ? 451 | -? 71 | -13.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 818 | ? 707 | -? 111 | -13.62% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 307 | ? 293 | -? 14 | -4.50% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 409 | ? 393 | -? 17 | -4.03% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 591 | ? 471 | -? 120 | -20.26% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 707 | -? 293 | -29.33% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 182 | ? 168 | -? 14 | -7.76% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 409 | ? 393 | -? 17 | -4.03% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 591 | ? 471 | -? 120 | -20.26% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 1,000 | ? 707 | -? 293 | -29.33% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 341 | ? 294 | -? 46 | -13.62% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 523 | ? 451 | -? 71 | -13.62% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 818 | ? 707 | -? 111 | -13.62% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,200 | ? 2,400 | ? 200 | 9.09% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Bulk Water Sale | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 197 | ? 191 | -? 6 | -3.00% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 59 | ? 57 | -? 2 | -3.00% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 295 | ? 286 | -? 9 | -3.00% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Aqueduct Service | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 334 | ? 352 | ? 19 | 5.58% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 471 | ? 445 | -? 26 | -5.54% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 556 | -? 150 | -21.29% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 737 | ? 623 | -? 113 | -15.38% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 864 | ? 816 | -? 48 | -5.55% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 883 | ? 834 | -? 49 | -5.56% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,800 | ? 2,600 | -? 200 | -7.14% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 381 | ? 360 | -? 21 | -5.54% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 432 | ? 408 | -? 24 | -5.56% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 451 | ? 426 | -? 25 | -5.56% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 667 | -? 39 | -5.55% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 293 | ? 277 | -? 16 | -5.29% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 471 | ? 445 | -? 26 | -5.54% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 556 | -? 150 | -21.29% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 168 | ? 177 | ? 9 | 5.25% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 393 | ? 371 | -? 22 | -5.55% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 471 | ? 445 | -? 26 | -5.54% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 556 | -? 150 | -21.29% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 294 | ? 278 | -? 16 | -5.57% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 451 | ? 426 | -? 25 | -5.56% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 707 | ? 667 | -? 39 | -5.55% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,400 | ? 2,600 | ? 200 | 8.33% | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Bulk Water Sale | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 191 | ? 191 | -? 0 | -0.19% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 57 | ? 57 | -? 0 | -0.19% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 286 | ? 286 | -? 1 | -0.19% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Aqueduct Service | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 352 | ? 338 | -? 15 | -4.12% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 371 | ? 1 | 0.19% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 445 | ? 405 | -? 40 | -8.92% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 556 | ? 507 | -? 50 | -8.92% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 338 | -? 33 | -8.90% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 623 | ? 493 | -? 131 | -20.94% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 816 | ? 743 | -? 73 | -8.91% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 338 | -? 33 | -8.90% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 834 | ? 760 | -? 74 | -8.91% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 360 | ? 328 | -? 32 | -8.93% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 408 | ? 371 | -? 36 | -8.93% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 338 | -? 33 | -8.90% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 426 | ? 388 | -? 38 | -8.91% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 667 | ? 608 | -? 60 | -8.92% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 277 | ? 279 | ? 2 | 0.68% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 371 | ? 1 | 0.19% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 445 | ? 405 | -? 40 | -8.92% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 556 | ? 507 | -? 50 | -8.92% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 177 | ? 168 | -? 9 | -5.04% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 371 | ? 371 | ? 1 | 0.19% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 445 | ? 405 | -? 40 | -8.92% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 556 | ? 507 | -? 50 | -8.92% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 278 | ? 253 | -? 25 | -8.88% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 426 | ? 388 | -? 38 | -8.91% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 667 | ? 608 | -? 60 | -8.92% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 2,600 | ? 2,800 | ? 200 | 7.69% | | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP. | | | | | | Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Labrador, San Mateo.
Tariff schedule for Bulk Water Sale | Asada Labrador | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | ? 191 | ? 191 | ? 1 | 0.34% | | Potabilization | per m3 | ? 57 | ? 57 | ? 0 | 0.34% | | Distribution | per m3 | ? 286 | ? 287 | ? 1 | 0.34% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Lomas de Zurquí Tariff schedule for Sewerage Service | Asada Lomas de Zurquí | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sewerage Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 416 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 482 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 567 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 661 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 758 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,007 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,261 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 758 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,896 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 573 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,064 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1 200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 758 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,185 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,602 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 311 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 482 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 567 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 661 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 208 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 482 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 567 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 661 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 568 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,185 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 1,602 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | Not applicable | ? 1,200 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Lomas de Zurquí Tariff schedule for Sewerage Service | Asada Lomas de Zurquí | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sewerage Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 416 | ? 614 | ? 198 | 47.50% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 482 | ? 733 | ? 251 | 51.96% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 567 | ? 878 | ? 312 | 54.96% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 661 | ? 1,030 | ? 370 | 55.96% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 758 | ? 1,082 | ? 325 | 42.86% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 1,007 | ? 1,485 | ? 478 | 47.42% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 1,261 | ? 1,819 | ? 558 | 44.21% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 758 | ? 1,082 | ? 325 | 42.86% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 1,896 | ? 2,465 | ? 569 | 30.02% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 573 | ? 970 | ? 397 | 69.32% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 1,064 | ? 1,479 | ? 416 | 39.07% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | ? 758 | ? 1,082 | ? 325 | 42.86% | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | ? 1,185 | ? 1,632 | ? 447 | 37.74% | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | ? 1,602 | ? 2,053 | ? 451 | 28.18% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Residential Basic Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 311 | ? 449 | ? 139 | 44.61% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 482 | ? 733 | ? 251 | 51.96% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 567 | ? 878 | ? 312 | 54.96% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 661 | ? 1,030 | ? 370 | 55.96% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Residential Extreme Poverty Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 208 | ? 298 | ? 89 | 42.86% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 482 | ? 733 | ? 251 | 51.96% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 567 | ? 878 | ? 312 | 54.96% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 661 | ? 1,030 | ? 370 | 55.96% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-519 | per m3 | ? 568 | ? 812 | ? 244 | 42.86% | | Block 520-1315 | per m3 | ? 1,185 | ? 1,632 | ? 447 | 37.74% | | Block 1316 or more | per m3 | ? 1,602 | ? 2,053 | ? 451 | 28.18% | | Monthly charge | | | | | | | Fixed charge | per month | ? 1,200 | ? 1,200 | ? - | 0.00% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for Water Resource Protection Service | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 22 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 25 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 28 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 24 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 29 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 30 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 28 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 21 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 25 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 29 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 26 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 36 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | Not applicable | ? | 47 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Asada Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale | Asada Sucre | Current* | Effective from 01/Jul/2025 to 31/Dec/2025 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Bulk Water Sale Service | | | | | | | Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Bulk Water Sale Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Conduction | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 8 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Potabilization | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 2 | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Distribution | per m3 | Not applicable | ? 12 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for Water Resource Protection Service | Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Variation | Relative Variation | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | | | Tariff category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | | | ? Residential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 19 | -? 3 | -13.64% | | Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 21 | -? 4 | -16.00% | | Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 28 | ? 24 | -? 4 | -14.29% | | ? Commerce and Services Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 21 | -? 3 | -12.50% | | Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 29 | ? 25 | -? 4 | -13.79% | | ? Industrial Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 30 | ? 26 | -? 4 | -13.33% | | ? Preferential Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 28 | ? 24 | -? 4 | -14.29% | | ? Large Consumers Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 18 | -? 3 | -14.29% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 22 | -? 3 | -12.00% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 29 | ? 26 | -? 3 | -10.34% | | ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Tariff | | | | | | | Charge per cubic meter | | | | | | | Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 23 | -? 3 | -11.54% | | Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 36 | ? 31 | -? 5 | -13.89% | | Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 47 | ? 41 | -? 6 | -12.77% | Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asada Sucre, San Carlos Tariff schedule for Water Resource Protection Service Bulk Water Sale Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Sucre, San Carlos Rate schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service
| Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2026 to 31/Dec/2026 | Absolute Change | Relative Change | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service for Wholesale Water Sales | | | | | |
| Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Wholesale Water Sales Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Conduction | per m3 | ? 8 | ? 7 | -? 1 | -13.07% |
| Potabilization | per m3 | ? 2 | ? 2 | -? 0 | -13.07% |
| Distribution | per m3 | ? 12 | ? 10 | -? 2 | -13.07% |
Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Sucre, San Carlos Rate schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service
| Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Change | Relative Change | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% |
| Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 19 | ? 20 | ? 1.0 | 5.26% |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 22 | ? 1.0 | 4.76% |
| Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 25 | ? 1.0 | 4.17% |
| ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 21 | ? 22 | ? 1 | 4.76% |
| Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 26 | ? 1 | 4.00% |
| ? Industrial Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% |
| Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 27 | ? 1 | 3.85% |
| ? Preferential Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% |
| Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 25 | ? 1 | 4.17% |
| ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 18 | ? - | 0.00% |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 22 | ? - | 0.00% |
| Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 26 | ? - | 0.00% |
| ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 23 | ? 24 | ? 1 | 4.35% |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 31 | ? 32 | ? 1 | 3.23% |
| Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 41 | ? 42 | ? 1 | 2.44% |
Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Asada Sucre, San Carlos Rate schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service Wholesale water sales
| Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2027 to 31/Dec/2027 | Absolute Change | Relative Change | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service for Wholesale Water Sales | | | | | |
| Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Wholesale Water Sales Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Conduction | per m3 | ? 7 | ? 7 | ? 0.2 | 3.10% |
| Potabilization | per m3 | ? 2 | ? 2 | ? 0.1 | 3.10% |
| Distribution | per m3 | ? 10 | ? 10 | ? 0.3 | 3.10% |
Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Sucre, San Carlos Rate schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service
| Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Change | Relative Change | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service | | | | | |
| Rate category | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Residential Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-15 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% |
| Block 16-30 | per m3 | ? 20 | ? 18 | -? 2 | -10.00% |
| Block 31-60 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 20 | -? 2 | -9.09% |
| Block 61 or more | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 22 | -? 3 | -12.00% |
| ? Commerce and Services Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-20 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% |
| Block 21-65 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 19 | -? 3 | -13.64% |
| Block 66 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 23 | -? 3 | -11.54% |
| ? Industrial Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% |
| Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 27 | ? 24 | -? 3 | -11.11% |
| ? Preferential Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-120 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% |
| Block 121 or more | per m3 | ? 25 | ? 22 | -? 3 | -12.00% |
| ? Large Consumers Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 18 | ? 16 | -? 2 | -11.11% |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 22 | ? 20 | -? 2 | -9.09% |
| Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 26 | ? 23 | -? 3 | -11.54% |
| ? Large Residential Consumers Social Good Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Block 0-2500 | per m3 | ? 24 | ? 21 | -? 3 | -12.50% |
| Block 2501-6000 | per m3 | ? 32 | ? 28 | -? 4 | -12.50% |
| Block 6001 or more | per m3 | ? 42 | ? 38 | -? 4 | -9.52% |
Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
Asociación Administradora de Acueducto Comunal (Asada) Asada Sucre, San Carlos Rate schedule for the Water Resource Protection Service Wholesale water sales
| Asada Sucre | Current | Effective from 01/Jan/2028 to 31/Dec/2028 | Absolute Change | Relative Change | |
|---|
| Water Resource Protection Service for Wholesale Water Sales | | | | | |
| Value chain stage | Charge detail | | Proposed | | |
| ? Wholesale Water Sales Rate | | | | | |
| Charge per cubic meter | | | | | |
| Conduction | per m3 | ? 7 | ? 6 | -? 0.8 | -11.11% |
| Potabilization | per m3 | ? 2 | ? 2 | -? 0.2 | -11.11% |
| Distribution | per m3 | ? 10 | ? 9 | -? 1.1 | -11.11% |
Source: Own elaboration by the Intendencia de Agua, ARESEP.
In compliance with the provisions of article 245 in relation to article 345 of the Ley General de la Administración Pública, it is hereby informed that the ordinary remedies of revocation and appeal, and the extraordinary remedy of review, are available against this resolution. The remedy of revocation may be filed before the Intendente de Agua, who is responsible for resolving it; the appeal and the review may be filed before the Junta Directiva, which is responsible for resolving them.
In accordance with article 346 of the Ley General de Administración Pública, the remedies of revocation and appeal must be filed within three days counted from the business day following notification, and the extraordinary remedy of review, within the time limits set forth in article 354 of the aforementioned Law.
NOTIFY AND PUBLISH