The ASADA Surfside is a non-profit organization that manages and protects the community water supply.
Las Asociaciones Operadoras de Sistemas de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Sanitario aka the ASADA's responsibilities include the administration and maintenance of the wells, distribution system, infrastructure and financial management of the organization. The ASADA is also involved in protecting the environment, and working with the community to promote water conservation and resource sustainability.
The Members of the ASADA are comprised of those property and home and business owners who have a water connection to the ASADA Surfside water supply system. Many homeowners and property owners are unaware that they need to apply to become members of the local ASADA. It is a simple process that requires submitting a completed application form. The owner of the property can be named as the Member. If the property has multiple owners only one can become a Member.
Every two years, Members decide who will represent them on the Board of Directors, who in turn manage the operations of the ASADA. Members are also have a voice in decisions that affect the infrastructure, and management of the system as a whole.
There are over 1800 similar communal organizations who administer rural aqueducts in Costa Rica, all operating as non-profits, under the legal framework of the Law on Associations (Law 218).
Responsibility for water and sanitation policy is shared by the Ministry of Health (MINSALUD) and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET). Other Ministries also have a role in the sector, sometimes with overlapping functions and responsibilities.
The economic regulation of the major service providers - AyA and ASADAS - is the responsibility of the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP), which is responsible for setting tariffs, implementing technical regulations, and monitoring the compliance with these regulations.
The Costa Rican Water and Sanitation Institute or AyA has an important indirect policy and regulatory role since it monitors the compliance with technical specifications, can take over failing systems and advises the Ministry in the development of the sector. This double role implies a conflict of interest however it is expected that this will only lead to improvements to the preservation of the aquifer and the access to potable water.
AyA is responsible for providing support to water and sanitation associations in rural communities outside of AyA's service area and monitoring their compliance with technical norms. AyA can assume the operation of failing systems in order to guarantee the continuity of provision of services. The Rural Works Department within AyA is responsible for the planning, design, financing and construction of rural water supply and sanitation systems and the provision of technical assistance to the ASADAS.
It is important for all owners with a existing water connection, who are not yet registered as an ASADA Member, complete their Membership Application and submit it to the ASADA office or email a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You will then be notified of future meetings and can particpate in programs to help us keep our water supply safe and reliable.
