ACUÍFEROS y SIST. INFORMACIÓN FASE I | Costa Rica

Real-Time Aquifer Monitoring and Information System for Integrated Water Resources Management – Phase I (Completed)

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project strengthened water resource management in Costa Rica through the development of two innovative technological platforms: the National Information System for Integrated Water Resources Management (SINIGIRH) and the country’s first Real-Time Groundwater Monitoring System (SIMASTIR). These tools make it possible to collect, analyze, and share key information on aquifers and water resources, enabling more efficient, data-driven decision-making based on reliable information.

The initiative contributes to improving knowledge on water availability and quality, strengthening responses to droughts and climate change, and protecting water resources for future generations. Its main achievements include the digitalization of thousands of records, the creation of geospatial platforms, and the implementation of a real-time monitoring network with state-of-the-art sensors in aquifers across Guanacaste.

UNOPS' ROLE

UNOPS provided technical assistance and project management services, supporting the development and implementation of the technological solutions and water monitoring systems.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was responsible for administration and procurement processes required for the implementation of the project.

SDGs TO WHICH IT CONTRIBUTES

ODS 6

ODS 13

ODS 17

ODS 6

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PROJECT RESULTS

National Information System for Integrated Water Resources Management (SINIGIRH):

Comprehensive modernization of the Water Directorate’s server systems, storage and backup solutions, including network security and internal communications improvements.
Migration of the corporate database to a modern service-oriented platform, enabling high data availability and multi-user access for both internal and external users.
Redevelopment of existing applications and creation of new applications with a fully web-based, multi-device, and multi-platform architecture.
Digitalization of 250,000 pages corresponding to 3,000 water concession and discharge records, automating document processing and access to information.
Development of a geospatial solution integrated into a Geoportal that disseminates water resource information according to Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) standards, includes:
- public map viewer: http://mapas.da.go.cr/mapnew.php
- private map viewer: http://visor.da.go.cr/mapnew.php
- metadata catalog: http://mapas.da.go.cr/geonetwork/srv/spa/catalog.search#/home
- geoservices catalog: http://mapas.da.go.cr/geoservicios.php

Creation of the web portal (http://www.da.go.cr/) and intranet platform (http://www.da.go.cr/intranet/), providing access to applications and functionalities through a user-friendly, modern, multi-device, and multi-platform interface.

Real-Time Water Monitoring System (SIMASTIR):

The project established the country’s first real-time aquifer monitoring network, representing the first step toward nationwide coverage with reliable and accurate data on groundwater behavior — the source that supplies water to approximately 80% of Costa Rica’s population. Its objectives include analyzing climate change impacts, identifying potable water reserves, preventing contamination, and generating projections to support mitigation measures that protect water resources for current and future generations, particularly the most vulnerable populations.

FIRST PHASE RESULTS

Drilling of 44 wells in Guanacaste to monitor 10 aquifers in real time across the region.
Installation of state-of-the-art sensors in all 44 wells for real-time water monitoring using GPRS technology connected to the monitoring data center at the MINAE Water Directorate. The system measures groundwater levels, temperature, and electrical conductivity to assess possible saltwater intrusion and establish timely protection strategies.
Continuous monitoring of sensor conditions (signal strength, battery, temperature), as well as water temperature and electrical conductivity, enabling verification of aquifer conditions and the collection of accurate data for water balance assessments.