Costa Rica will evaluate its aquifers to minimize the future impacts of climate change and droughts and evaluate the availability of water through an alliance between the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) of Costa Rica and the Geological Service of the United States.

The initiative “Mapping of the underground water resources in Costa Rica”, will be possible through the use of high technology known as WATEX, which obtains images if the underground waters without the interference of infrastructure, rocks or vegetation; a system that, according to MINAE will save money and allow a higher success rate in drilling since it replaces the trial and error drilling.

This process combines geophysical and geological data and will be useful to develop a strategy of underground water resources management to minimize the impacts of droughts and climate change.

It will also guarantee technical security of water availability for the population and the sustainable economic growth also facilitating the generation of aquifers protection measures and municipality regulation plans.

The project is headed by an expert of the United States Geological Service in conjunction with MINAE and its estimated n $1.46 million, funds that come from the tax paid by all users for the protection of hydric resources.

Ministry of Environment Edgar Gutierrez, stated that “this initiative represents a step in the right direction in the use of science behind the decisions of public management. The uncertainties that present themselves in the natural surroundings, the ecosystems and those associated with climate change, makes us use science to allow the proper, responsible and smart management of resources for present and future generations”, stated Gutierrez.
EFE