Request a New Potable Water Connection (AyA / ASADAS)

The potable water service in Costa Rica can be administered by the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA) directly, or by an ASADA (Asociación Administradora de Sistemas de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Comunales) in rural areas — they are non‑profit associations that manage the communal water system in their area. Before applying, you must know which of the two administers the water at the specific location.

Documents commonly required for a new connection:

• Copy of the cadastral plan of the property, registered and legible (see separate entry for "Cadastral plan").
• Literal certification (registry study) that demonstrates who is the current owner and whether there are liens on the property.
• Current identification: cédula, DIMEX or passport for foreign persons.
• If the property is in the name of a company (S.A. or SRL), certification current of legal entity status (see separate entry).

If the lot is undeveloped land ("raw land"): you must first request a "water availability letter" (carta de disponibilidad de agua), which includes a field technical inspection where the proximity of the distribution network is verified and the water pressure available in the area.

Estimated timeframe: between 15 and 22 business days for approval, according to what was verified for processing through an ASADA (the timeframe directly through AyA was not confirmed in this verification).

Note: if the location has an ASADA, the water availability letter is requested from the ASADA, not from AyA — AyA only directly administers areas where there is no active ASADA. Confirm which entity is responsible before starting any related procedure (including the construction permit, which also requires this letter as a requirement).