• 22597340
  • 87216931
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • L-V de 8:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m.
SENARA Icon

Groundwater Management (SENARA)

Groundwater management is a technical procedure regulated by the National Service of Subterranean Waters, Irrigation and Drainage (SENARA), which aims to control the use, protection, and sustainable utilization of groundwater resources throughout Costa Rica. This process ensures that water catchments (wells or springs) operate sustainably and comply with current environmental regulations.

Why is groundwater management carried out?

Groundwater management is required when a project must demonstrate to the competent authorities the availability, quality, and sustainability of the water resource. It is a technical prerequisite for multiple environmental and water-use procedures in Costa Rica, such as:

  • Obtaining hydrogeological reports required by SENARA.
  • Submitting environmental feasibility applications to SETENA.
  • Processing groundwater concessions with the Water Directorate of MINAE.
  • Managing sewerage exemption procedures in rural areas or regions without public network coverage.

In addition, this process allows for the regularization of existing wells, verification of their operation, and assurance that water extraction does not affect nearby aquifers.

How does Geo Costa Rica support this process?

At Geo Costa Rica, we provide comprehensive advisory services in groundwater management, combining technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and advanced geospatial tools. Our support includes:

  • Preparation of hydrogeological studies following the official methodology published in Official Gazette No. 243-2010.
  • Aquifer characterization through lithological interpretation, groundwater level analysis, transmissivity, and p.a. (apparent permeability).
  • Field inspections including static and dynamic level measurements, pumping rate evaluations, and well georeferencing.
  • Technical file management before SENARA and coordination with the Water Research and Management Directorate (DIGH).
  • Response to institutional observations until the final report is approved.

This service ensures that projects comply with all SENARA requirements and national water management regulations, preventing rejections or delays in obtaining permits.

Why choose Geo Costa Rica?

Geo Costa Rica combines expertise in geology, hydrogeology, and environmental management with solid experience in institutional procedures. Our reports comply with the formats and technical standards required by SENARA and are prepared by professionals accredited by Costa Rican professional associations.

This service is aimed at real estate developers, engineers, project owners, and investors who need to comply with water regulations to build, operate, or regularize their groundwater use.

Request technical advice

More about SENARA procedures

Services

Environmental Viability IconEnvironmental Viability (SETENA) Engineering Study IconBasic Engineering Study Geology Study IconBasic Geology Study Archaeological Study IconArchaeological Study Soil Studies IconSoil Studies DPL IconDPL (Dynamic Probing Light) SPT IconSPT (Standard Penetration Test) Geophysical Methods IconGeophysical Methods Exploratory Drilling IconExploratory Drilling Hydrogeology IconHydrogeology Natural Hazards IconNatural Hazards Mining IconMining Well Drilling IconWell Drilling Permits (SENARA) Water Concession IconWater Concession (Water Directorate) Water Availability IconWater Availability Wastewater Treatment IconWastewater Treatment Location Permit Sewer Exemption IconSanitary Sewer Exemption Infiltration Testing IconInfiltration Testing Water Flow Measurement IconWater Flow Measurement Environmental Feasibility IconEnvironmental Feasibility

Procedures IconProcedures

SETENA IconSETENA SENARA IconSENARA DGM IconGeology and Mines Directorate Water Directorate IconWater Directorate