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I published this blog about a severe water problem during the dry season in Atenas in June 2017, and I decided to rewrite it entirely. The reason was that the town of Atenas had water problems that began in 2014 and worsened in 2017. The town’s water is supplied by the aqueduct in Grecia, which has started complaining that it doesn’t have enough water. Today, some areas in and around Atenas still have water problems, so check with your real estate agent before you purchase a home in Atenas.
Nonetheless, all the “gated communities” mentioned below never had any problems because they have their own wells, and their supply of potable water is better than that of most areas in the country.
Gated communities
There are water wells in all “gated communities” in Atenas. Those water wells were legally built with permits by each individual real estate developer. They all have plenty of water to supply every property within the community. Those gated communities with good potable water are:
1. Roca Verde
2. Lomas de Paraiso
3. Hacienda Paraiso
4. Cerro Luna
5. Vista Atenas
A new problem?
I have now rewritten this blog because many neighbors of the above-mentioned communities complain that the water is turned off during the summer from 8:00 pm until 6:00 am. They do that for a reason. Most people know that it’s better to water your lawn at night.
But why do they shut it off? Because the water well cannot supply enough water for more than 50 homeowners to water their gardens at the same time. And some lose so much water from their leaking pool, so they have to replace that also at the same time.
Some people love to complain, but they don’t want to be part of the solution. If everyone within any of those communities stops complaining and cooperates.
Irrigation during the dry season
Of course, we all love green landscaping. And in Atenas (as well as in other warmer temperature areas in Costa Rica), the grass turns yellow very quickly.
Landscapers working in the Central Valley (Atenas, Escazú, Santa Ana, Grecia, etc.) typically rely on three warm-climate turf grasses because they handle tropical heat, seasonal drought, and heavy rain. These are the same grasses most commonly used for lawns in hot climates worldwide.
1. Bermuda Grass (often called Bermuda or Cynodon)
- Extremely heat and drought-tolerant
- Spreads quickly and repairs itself
- Good for large lots, fincas, and sunny yards
- Cheap and easy to install as sod or plugs
- Bermuda is popular because it has deep roots and thrives in hot climates with minimal maintenance.
Downside: Needs full sun and can go brown during the driest months without irrigation.
2. St. Augustine Grass (San Agustín)
- Handles shade under trees and houses
- Thick, carpet-like appearance
- Good for landscaped gardens and villas
Downside: Needs more water than Bermuda during the dry season. This grass forms a dense turf with broad blades and good shade tolerance, making it ideal for tropical residential landscapes.
3. Zoysia Grass
Premium lawn grass (used in higher-end landscaping)
Very drought-resistant
Dense “carpet-like” lawn
Requires less watering once established
Downside: More expensive and slower to establish. Zoysia is valued for forming a durable, dense lawn that tolerates heat, traffic, and drought better than many other grasses.
Water back-up tank
Another option, if you really insist on watering a small patch of your garden to keep it green, is to install a water backup tank. Here is some information so you can do your homework yourself:
In Costa Rica, installing a water storage tank (tanque de reserva / tanque de agua) is very common because many areas experience periodic water outages or reduced pressure, especially in the dry season. Homes typically use one of several installation methods depending on budget, terrain, and pressure requirements. With a reserve tank, you can irrigate or fill your pool at a time that suits you best, without interfering with the water well’s downtime. It’s also a great idea to have your own water reserve in case of a brushfire during the summertime.
Below are the main options used in Costa Rica, from simplest to more advanced.
1. Roof or Elevated Tank (Gravity System)
These are the most common for houses, although they’re pretty ugly. The water from the Asada or community well fills a tank placed above the house (roof or tower). Then the water flows down by gravity to the plumbing.
This tank is typically installed on:
- roof slab
- metal tower
- concrete platform.
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Works without electricity. Requires strong structural support.
Provides natural water pressure. Tanks are visible on the roof.
Simple and reliable. Limited capacity.
A Polyethylene plastic (Rotoplas-type) of 1,000–1,100 L costs ₡95,000–₡180,000 ($180–$340) on 3/12/2025, plus installation costs.
2. Ground-Level Tank + Pump (Most Flexible)
This tank can easily be hidden behind a guesthouse, the garage, or some green landscaping. The tank sits beside the house or on the ground.
A pressure pump sends water into the house plumbing.
Advantages Disadvantages
Large capacity possible (2,500–10,000+ L). Requires electricity for the pump.
Easy installation. Pump maintenance.
No structural reinforcement required.
The cost of a tank (2,500 L) like this on 3/12/2025 is $600 – $800 + a water pressure pump $170 – $350 + PVC pipe, valves, fittings $80 – $200 + a concrete base $100 – $250 + labor installation $200 – $500
This is often the best solution for properties with low pressure from the supplier.
3. Underground Concrete Cistern (Cisterna)
This is a higher-end or long-term solution. The tank is buried, and a pump pushes water into the house or pressure system.
Advantages Disadvantages
Hidden and space-saving. Higher construction cost.
Large capacity (5,000–50,000 L). Requires a pump and maintenance.
Long lifespan.
There are a few other options that I have not yet seen used in Costa Rica, such as a flexible bladder tank or an IBC container tank (pretty ugly).
The cost of an underground concrete cistern on 3/12/2005 is 3,000–5,000 L tank $2,300 – $3,800, and a 5,000–10,000 L tank $3,800 – $6,600
More Reasons for Not Irrigating
Native and adapted plants don’t need irrigation. Most landscapes in Atenas use tropical or drought-tolerant plants that evolved to suit the local climate.
Common examples include
- Bougainvillea
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Heliconia
- Ixora coccinea
Once established, these plants usually survive the dry season with little or no irrigation.
Dry season stress strengthens plants
Atenas has a distinct dry season (December–April). Plants naturally slow their growth during this time.
If you irrigate heavily
- Plants become dependent on watering
- Roots grow shallow instead of deep
- Landscapes become less drought-resistant
Sloped properties lose irrigation water quickly
Many properties in Atenas sit on steep hillsides. When watered:
- Water runs off instead of soaking in
- Nutrients wash away
- Soil erosion can increase
My recommendation
Don’t fight, don’t complain. Adjust to your new lifestyle, and the circumstances of having a very dry summer. Didn’t you come here to enjoy the lifestyle and weather? Be nice to your neighbors, why not? Talk to each other and work on solutions together.
Most Atenas homeowners only water new plants during the first 1–3 months after planting. After that, gardens are usually left to natural rainfall.
Many longtime residents in Atenas say, “If a plant needs irrigation here, it’s the wrong plant.”
Last but not least, my recommendation is to always purchase or sell through an honest, professional real estate agent who lives and works in the same area. That is why we freely share all available information with you. If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the comment box below.
The prices shown were generated by A.I., and we are not responsible for their accuracy. Readers must do their own homework on the cost of installing a tank. Selling or buying? Contact us now for professional assistance.
Feel free to leave your comments on this blog or share it on your social media. Would you like a Zoom meeting with me? Feel free to contact me now. Are you ready to purchase or sell your property in Atenas? Then contact Marian Veltman now.
