Evaluation of Household Drinking Water Storage Tanksfor Human Consumption in Costa Rica

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/12w1mz84

Keywords:

Drinking water, Household water storage, Point of use, Water infrastructure, Water quality

Abstract

The increasing number of household water storage tanks in Costa Rica, particularly plastic units, reflects a growing reliance on decentralised water storage as a response to frequent interruptions and limitations in the public drinking water supply systems. Despite their widespread use, there is limited national information regarding the physical condition of these tanks, the quality of stored water, and the maintenance practices applied by users. This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of installation, water quality, and maintenance of household water storage tanks in three urban areas: San Juan Abajo (Heredia),
El Coyol (Alajuela), and Moravia (San José). A total of 45 household tanks were inspected and sampled, along with control samples from the drinking water supply system. Physical and chemical parameters were measured both onsite and in the laboratory. Statistical analyses were used to assess differences and correlations between different studied variables. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in free and total chlorine after storage, with more than 70% of samples falling below the minimum regulatory limit, while turbidity and apparent colour increased slightly, though not significantly. E. coli was detected in some tanks, with high variability, but differences with control samples were not statistically significant. Only 8.9% of tank samples complied with all water quality parameters, compared to 22.2% of control samples. These results highlight the need for updated technical guidelines and greater emphasis on user education to ensure household tanks function safely and effectively within the context of potable water access.

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Published

2026-06-22

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 2 (2026): July–December 2026 (open issue)

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Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Erick Centeno Mora, Daniel Jiménez Moya, Emanuel Quesada Varela, Roberto Villalobos Herrera (Autor/a)

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