Water Analysis in Costa Rica

Water forms the basis of all living organisms, especially us humans. In general, people need about 1.5 liters of water a day, so as to carry out a healthy life. Controlling the quality of the water we consume as well as properly analyzing all of its parameters is of utmost importance. One slight variation in water quality can have massive repercussions and even make it unfit for consumption.

Drinkable Water
If you want to classify water as drinkable, it needs to adhere to a strict set of guidelines which monitor and control cleanliness, purity, bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to the human body. The pH, which should be between 6.00 and 8.00 alongside any dissolved solids, need to be at a minimum threshold to be considered drinkable. It should be colorless and crystalline meaning, it has no visible opaqueness. Lastly, there should be no detectable odors or foul tastes when drinking.

Water treatment implies the elimination of any and all harmful pathogens, parasites and protozoa. Through the N1 – Bacteriological test, knowing whether or not to treat your water for bacteria becomes possible. This allows us to implement one of two systems: a chlorination system or a UV disinfection system to kill any and all microorganisms. This ensures the quality of your water.

As water drags sediment and sub-sediment through piping and in collection bays, it collects a large amount of solids. Solids which, despite being present in high concentrations, are not easily spotted by the naked eye. Common sediments include calcium, magnesium, silica, carbonates as well as metals such as iron, manganese and a whole host of other metals. Using our N2 – Physicochemical test, we can identify and quantify the presence of the common minerals as well as heavy metals such as copper, lead, arsenic, zinc and aluminum alongside any other metals that might have gotten into your water. Secondary contaminants such as nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, potassium, sodium, fluorine and many others are also taken into account as well as your water’s UV transmittance, salinity and conductivity.

Water, as a resource, is a guaranteed right in Costa Rica. It is necessary for construction, development and even the stability of the country. Therefore, water is considered to be public domain allowing anyone to tap into and utilize any accessible source of water. This is all due to the Concesión de Agua.

The institution responsible for the necessary documentation is the Dirección de Agua (DA) which itself, is a subset of the Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE).

Through this institution one can go about getting the required permissions to extract groundwater (springs) as well as surface level water (ponds, lakes). By law, this water must be analyzed to know its bacterial and physicochemical properties before receiving a permit.

WaterLab has the necessary resources and personnel armed with the tools to effectively carry out this analysis. We follow all the required guidelines according to the 38924-S decree set by the Ministerio de Salud which is ratified and backed by the Regencia de Química de Colegio de Químicos de Costa Rica.

To further certify the quality of your water in the most precise manner we must go out and take a sample. Correctly documenting the location and condition of the water. Once this is complete, we can take this sample to our lab and carry out the necessary analysis so as to determine the specific parameters of your water and produce a detailed report. This report, which is an official document, can then be presented to the appropriate authorities.

WaterLab offers analysis services which follow the guidelines set forth by the Ministerio de Salud . This includes the N1, N2 and N3 tests alongside a bacteriological and physicochemical test.

This type of analysis is of utmost importance when presenting water quality findings to municipal or federal bodies, as they are required for any housing, commercial and any other space where water is going to be used and or consumed. Adequate water quality is part of the guidelines set forth by the Ministerio de Salud.

To effectively carry out this analysis, an in field water sample must be taken directly from the source. One obtained, the “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Method 5210; 22nd Edition” must be followed and later quantified in our WaterLab facilities where we can write up an official report. This report is then backed by the Regencia Química de Colegio de Químicos de Costa Rica.

Bacteriological Analysis

A qualitative analysis is performed so as to determine the presence or absence via universal indicators of water contamination. Once finished, we can determine the presence / absence of Coliforms and Escherichia Coli.

Specific Bacteriological Analysis

This test specifically quantifies the amount of Coliforms and Escherichia Coli through our semi-automatic quantification method based on the model of the most probable number. This analysis can detect a single organism in 100 mL of water with a 95% success rate.

N1 – Bacteriological Analysis

This analysis also tests for the presence of Coliforms and Escherichia Coli as well the levels of chlorine and water temperature. This test also determines the color, taste, pH, conductivity and turbidity of the sample.

N2 – Physicochemical Analysis

WaterLab offers you a chemical analysis which covers all the parameters required by the Ministerio de Salud. These parameters include a test for aluminum, calcium, chlorine, copper, water hardness, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, sulfates and zinc. On top of these tests WaterLab also includes additional tests which add to the robustness of the test. These additional parameters include, alkalinity, TDS (Totals dissolved solids), conductivity, pH, salinity, UV transmittance, color and the residual free chlorine in your water.

Special Physicochemical Analysis Package

WaterLab can also offer you additional analysis, so as to have a more complete profile of your water. These parameters include the amount of silica, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, lead, nitrates, sulfates, and phosphates present in your water.

Boiler Analysis

WaterLab offers you the possibility of carrying out a detailed analysis aimed towards the industrial sector. This is why we offer tailor made analysis, control, regulation and maintenance of water which is used in steam generator units. This analysis quantifies the alkalinity, be it partial, total or due to hydroxides. We also test the conductivity, pH, suspended solids, silica, total hardness, calcium, magnesium phosphates, sulphites, sulfates and chlorides.

Pool Water Analysis
We can run tests for Isocyanuric Acid, Ammonia, Aluminum, Copper, Fecal Coliforms, Conductivity, Hardness, Nitrates and Turbidity.