I have ranted about that area for some time now, and only the people who actually live there knew what I was referring to. The old saying about “S–t flows down hill” has always been correct, and now, “down hill” means Jaco and points north and south.

This first came to my attention about four years ago when I read the incredible book, Costa Rica from Space, now no longer available. This book, published by Earth University, first detailed concerns and gave warning about the lack of sufficient waste treatment in Costa Rica and its long term effects.

This was confirmed only a year later by friends with beach property north of Jaco who were even then unable at times to use their beaches because of the black water (agua negra or raw sewage) flowing untouched from nearby rivers. Now the unrestrained growth in that area has finally gotten official attention.

Featured in today’s La Nacion, the headline reads, “Playa Jacó en peligro de ser insalubre dentro de 5 años”, or “The beaches in Jaco will be (unhealthy – but this really means unusable for use due to pollution) within 5 years.”

I am sure this will delight all those who have plunked down vast sums to get in on the Jaco-Quepos land rush.

I have no doubt the folks at Marriott’s Ocean & Golf Resort, Los Suenos are just thrilled to be reading this. What was not said is that already people have complained about the water as far south as Manual Antonio!

Above is a chart published by the (Costa Rica) water department.

You must click on it to get a readable size, but it bodes a scary future for those who live or plan to live in that area.

I guess the thing that concerns me the most is a number of baby-boomers who are moving into that area totally unaware of the potential problems.

The good news is that if they (and the developers) take strong action now, this dismal 5 year forecast can avoided.