Costa Rican utility shifts to reliable water access

Access to clean, reliable water is a foundation for community health and economic stability. Yet for many years in the Central American nation of Costa Rica, water utilities relied on aging systems and materials that were increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters and long‑term wear.  

“Water utilities form the backbone of communities, providing residents with clean and safe water for drinking, sanitation, and many other essential activities,” said McElroy International Sales Manager Juan Quintero. “Because these systems are so critical, ensuring and maintaining a resilient infrastructure is essential when installing or updating water networks.” 

In Costa Rica, a nation celebrated for its environmental stewardship and commitment to human rights, the need for resilient, future‑ready infrastructure became even more apparent after a 2012 earthquake that left roughly 55,000 residents without running water.   

That moment marked a turning point for Costa Rican utility company ESPH, the Public Service Company of Heredia. Heredia, located in the north-central part of the country, has a population of about 540,000 and is home to several environmentally important areas.   

Two construction workers in safety gear operate a machine to fuse sections of large black plastic pipe outdoors on a residential street. One worker adjusts the machine while the other monitors the process.
A Rolling 28 unit like this one was used to improve infrastructure after a devastating earthquake in Costa Rica.