What is a water concession?
A water concession is basically a permit granted by the State to use public water. Yes, it’s that simple; but it’s not just any permit, it’s a formal authorization because water:
- Is not private property
- Is a natural resource belonging to everyone
- Must be managed by the State
In Costa Rica, even if water flows through your property or originates on it, it doesn’t belong to you. That’s why the concession process for its use exists.
I have a spring on my property. Can I use it freely?
No, even if the spring is on your land, you must apply for a permit to use that water. This is because the water doesn’t belong to the landowner; it belongs to the country.
Furthermore, it’s very important to understand that even if the spring is on your property, someone else can also apply for a permit to use that water. The same applies to rivers, streams, and lakes; this is because all these sources are public domain.
Why does it work this way?
A very clear and simple way to understand it is this: if water were private, a wealthy person could buy a property where a major river originates and decide to:
- Sell the water
- Export it
- Limit access
Can you imagine the impact? Entire communities could be left without water; that’s why the concession system exists: to:
- Protect access to water
- Regulate its use
- Guarantee equity
Now let's talk about wells.
Here’s an important difference that many people don’t know about.
Drilled Wells
A drilled well is one that is constructed using specialized machinery. It is primarily used for:
- Tourism projects
- Industries
- Commercial activities
- Real estate developments
In other words, they are drilled when a significant amount of water is needed.
What does it take to drill a well?
This is where the process becomes more technical, as it requires:
- Hydrogeological studies
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Permits from SENARA (National Service for Irrigation and Drainage)
- Permits from the Water Authority
- Drilling process
In other words, it’s not something you can just wing; and that’s why:
- It must be carried out by a professional team
- It requires technical planning
- It involves investment
Something important to know is that these wells represent a private water source; which differentiates them from rivers or springs, but they still require regulation.
Hand-dug or domestic wells
This type of well is much simpler, constructed without specialized machinery; it is done manually. It is used for:
- Domestic consumption
- One or two homes
- Small-scale irrigation (maximum 1 hectare)
This type of well does not require permits, but only when the use is truly domestic.
Common myth: “Water concessions are no longer granted"
This is not true; concessions can still be obtained in Costa Rica. However, the following factors are relevant:
- There are restricted zones.
- Some areas have hydrogeological limitations.
- There are stricter regulations.
But this does not mean that concessions are not granted.
Why are concessions so important?
Because they allow for something fundamental: regulating water use in the country. Without concessions, there would be no:
- Control
- Planning
- Equity
And water could end up in the hands of a few.
Summary "What you absolutely must remember"
- A concession is a permit to use water
- Water is not private property; it is a public good
- Even if it is on your property, you need a concession
- Other people can request to use that water
- Drilled wells require studies and procedures
- Hand-dug wells are only for domestic use
- Yes, concessions can be obtained in Costa Rica
