The Federal Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) delivered a promise to the residents inhabiting the portion of the Ostional refuge in Pelada. For years the residents of the small beach community living in the 200 meter refuge zone have relied on well water that is often found to be unfit for drinking.

Until now the community of home and business owners have not been granted access to the public water source because a majority are not able to provide proof of title to the land. Title is a necessary criterion required by the Costa Rican water authority (AyA) in order to connect a property to the public water grid. 
     
For nearly a decade the Nosara Civic Association (NCA) has applied for Blue Flag status for both Guiones and Pelada beach much to the chagrin of the latter community’s residents. According to Dr. Laura Brenes MINAE’s Director of the Ostional Refuge, the people of Pelada’s 200 meter zone have voiced frustration regarding the placement of the flag on their beach because one of the Blue Flag requirements is to have potable water.
     
It was the raising of the Ecological Blue Flag on Saturday September 18 that drew the attention to the issue of potable water access. Faced with the opposition of community members to place the Blue Flag at Pelada Beach despite the lack of potable water, authorities from MINAE, AYA and the Ostional Refuge were prompted to make the promise and begin the process of making potable water accessible to the community.

Brenes explained to VON that the issue is a complex one. She said community members of Pelada are skeptical of the promised progress.  Legal and monetary obstacles will slow the process and make it difficult to make the necessary changes to receive water meters.

Members of the Pelada community raised the Blue Flag on Saturday
September 18th

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