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In a groundbreaking proposal, a new Costa Rican decree will charge public or private consumers who use water for electricity, irrigation, golf courses and tourism in order to protect the water sources, watersheds and surrounding forests instead of just the volume of water passing through the meter.
 The new decree was signed on National Parks Day and is aimed at promoting responsible use and preventing contamination – a growing worry for the water-hungry Central valley. Although individual U.S states and cities have implemented similar schemes, Costa Rica’s commitment to charge for “environmental services” nationwide is a world first.
Previously exempt government departments such as the Electricity Company and Water authority, as well as nearly 5000 water concessions, will have to pay the new rates, which are to be gradually introduced over the next seven years. While not appearing to amount to much, the eventual rise to $0.006 per cubic liter represents an 8000% increase. National parks will benefit from their role as guardians of water resources and could double their current revenues by $5-7 million .
A proposed new water resources law has been drafted to replace the outdated 1942 version and consolidate the myriad of other resolutions muddling current water resource management. A new administration will control water concessions and permits, and will have the power to assess penalties for violations based on contamination or misuse of water.
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Development- Services 
