Wastewater Solutions for Nosara, Costa Rica

Ocean and river water quality in Nosara is suffering due to increasing development and inadequate residential and commercial wastewater treatment. In 2019, WCA started weekly water quality monitoring for bacterial indicators at 3 local sites. Some sites failed to pass water quality standards most of the year, meanwhile WCA was recording more illnesses related to water contact recreation at beaches and in the river. The community was also experiencing increasing toxic algal bloom events and high nutrient loads which, due to work done by WCA, have been traced directly to local sources (i.e. failing business and residential septic systems) widespread throughout Nosara. Similar challenges are present in most areas of Costa Rica where development is increasing and only 5-10% of wastewater is treated. This project provides technical assistance and educational outreach to advance nature-based wastewater treatment within Nosara communities serving as a model for other coastal communities.