What Each Service Includes

Water Availability Studies

We evaluate your property’s water sources (well, river, spring, or public system) and determine what’s legally and technically available for your intended use – a required first step for most concessions. Includes a site visit, water source measurement, and a formal report accepted by Costa Rica’s Water Directorate (Direccion de Agua). Typical timeline: about 2 weeks from site visit to final report.

Hydrological Studies

For larger developments or projects near rivers and watersheds, we conduct full hydrological studies to confirm your project meets environmental and regulatory requirements for sustainable water use. Includes watershed and flow analysis, environmental compliance review, and a technical report for permitting authorities (SETENA / MINAE). Typical timeline: about 2 weeks, depending on project size.

Well Permits & Pumping Tests

If your property relies on a well, we manage the full process – from pumping tests that confirm your well’s yield, to submitting and following up on your permit with the Water Directorate. Includes an on-site pumping test, permit application, and follow-up with authorities until approval. Typical timeline: about 2 weeks for the pumping test and technical report.

Well Drilling & Water Concessions

We handle the full process of drilling a well on your property – from the drilling permit to the final water concession that makes your water use legal. Includes drilling permit application and approval, coordination of the drilling work itself, and water concession application and follow-up until approval. Typical timeline: drilling itself is quick, but the final water concession resolution typically takes 8 months to 1 year with the Water Directorate.

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Environmental Viability Studies (SETENA)

If you’re developing a project – a home, subdivision, or commercial property – Costa Rican law requires environmental approval before construction. As a registered SETENA consultant (No. 094-2021), we prepare and manage this process for you. Includes an environmental impact assessment tailored to your project, preparation and submission of required SETENA forms and studies, and follow-up until your environmental viability (viabilidad ambiental) is approved. Typical timeline: about 1 month for D1-category projects (most residential and small developments).

Water Due Diligence for Property Purchases

Buying property in Costa Rica? Before you close, we investigate the water situation on the property so there are no surprises after you own it: whether it has legal access to water, whether any part of it falls within a protected water area or setback, and how much of the land is actually usable once those restrictions are applied. Includes a review of the property’s water sources and rights, a check against water protection zones and setbacks (áreas de protección), and an estimate of usable land once those restrictions are applied — so you know exactly what you’re buying before you close. Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks, depending on property size and available records.

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How the Process Works

• Consultation – We review your property and water needs, in English or Spanish.
• Site Assessment – We visit your property and gather the technical data required.
• Study & Documentation – We prepare the required studies and reports.
• Permitting – We submit and follow up with the relevant government offices on your behalf.
• Approval – You receive your legal water concession or permit, ready to use.