Environmental innovation in airport infrastructure
The Juan Santamaría International Airport, Costa Rica’s main air transport terminal, has implemented a system that reuses treated wastewater, saving an amount of water equivalent to the daily consumption of approximately 450 people. This sustainability measure forms part of the airport’s strategy to optimize water use in daily operations, reducing the demand on freshwater resources.
Such initiatives align with national water stewardship policies promoted by government agencies and the private sector in a context where potable water is considered strategic for climate resilience and sustainable development.
How the water reuse system works
The system at the airport captures and treats wastewater generated on-site. The processed water is then repurposed for non-potable uses such as irrigation of green areas, exterior surface cleaning, and in certain restroom operations.
The treatment process includes filtration, biological treatment, and disinfection, ensuring that reused water meets quality standards suitable for its intended purposes while reducing the airport’s demand for conventional freshwater supplies.
Impact on water savings
According to airport administration data, the volume of reused water is equivalent to the daily water consumption of about 450 people, representing a measurable contribution to water resource conservation in an urban environment with high water demand.
This initiative also helps reduce the airport’s water footprint, lessening the environmental impact of its operations and promoting more efficient and sustainable water management practices.
Institutional commitment to sustainability
Implementing water-efficient technologies and practices at Juan Santamaría Airport supports the broader commitment of the aviation sector to environmental sustainability. These efforts complement other initiatives such as energy efficiency, solid waste management, and emission reduction.
Such projects can also serve as models for other public and private facilities in Costa Rica, encouraging the adoption of innovative water management solutions across economic sectors.
Water management policies and regulatory frameworks
Sustainable water management in Costa Rica is guided by public policies led by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and regulated by the Ministry of Health and the AyA (Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers). These institutions set standards for water and wastewater management and define requirements for safe wastewater treatment and reuse in public and private infrastructure.
Costa Rica has advanced the promotion of water-efficient practices, integrating them into national climate change adaptation plans, watershed conservation programs, and sustainable development strategies with the participation of public, private, and community stakeholders.
Sources consulted
- La República, “Juan Santamaría Airport reuses water equivalent to daily consumption of 450 people” — news coverage of the environmental initiative.
- Juan Santamaría International Airport — institutional reports on sustainability and water management in airport infrastructure.
- Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) — environmental policies and water management frameworks.
- AyA — regulations and standards on water treatment and safe reuse.
