Water Directorate (MINAE) - Geo Costa Rica

What is the Water Directorate and why is it important?

The Water Directorate (DA) of MINAE regulates the use of surface and groundwater, issues permits for drilling, discharges, and river works, and ensures the sustainable management of water resources. Its resolutions are mandatory for agricultural, industrial, urban, and infrastructure projects.

Water Concessions

Authorizations for the use of surface and groundwater.

Technical Permits

Well drilling, river works, and agricultural drainage.

Legal Compliance

Mandatory water regulation in Costa Rica.

Main procedures we manage at the Water Directorate (DA)

Water Concessions

Groundwater and surface water.

Includes well drilling, pumping tests, surface water concessions, and renewals.

Discharge Permits

Control of wastewater discharges into the environment.

Authorizations to discharge wastewater, supported by quality studies and payment of environmental fees.

Riverbed Works

Construction in rivers and streams.

Includes retaining walls, culverts, channeling, and river diversion projects with hydrological studies.

Agricultural Drainage

Surface runoff management.

Technical studies and permits for drainage works in farms and agricultural projects.

Hydraulic Power

Water concessions for hydroelectric generation.

Authorizations to use water flow for power generation, ensuring environmental sustainability.

Water Users Associations

Formation and updates.

Includes creation, registration, data updates, and legal advisory for Water Users Associations (SUAS).

Rainwater Harvesting

System registration.

Registration of reservoirs, sworn declarations, and formalization of rainwater harvesting projects.

Who needs procedures with the Water Directorate?

Farmers and Agribusinesses

Irrigation concessions, drainage, and use of surface water.

Industries and Businesses

Discharge permits and water concessions for production processes.

Construction Companies and Developers

River works, wells for housing projects, and discharge permits.

Municipalities and Institutions

Water supply management and public infrastructure projects.

Advantages of working with Geo Costa Rica

Extensive experience in hydrogeological studies.

Robust documentation that reduces the risk of rejection at the Water Directorate.

Comprehensive support from diagnosis to final approval.

Sustainable approach and guaranteed legal compliance.

Success Stories

We have managed water concessions, discharge permits, and river works across different sectors.

Agricultural

Water concessions for irrigation and agricultural drainage.

Construction

River works and well permits for residential developments.

Industrial

Discharge permits and water concessions for production processes.

Don't risk your project — leave your procedures with the Water Directorate in expert hands.

Geo Costa Rica - Environmental Consultants

Environmental processing, monitoring, and advisory services in hydrogeological studies, natural hazards, well drilling, water concessions, and Environmental Impact Assessments.