May 2026 Vol. 81 No. 5
Features
Costa Rican utility shifts to reliable water access
(UI) - 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.
For decades, PVC and steel had been the piping material of choice throughout Costa Rica, along with much of Central America. But in the aftermath of that 2012 earthquake – the nation’s second strongest on record – ESPH began exploring alternatives.
NEW PIPE DIRECTION
Through the course of its research, ESPH learned about the strength and flexibility of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. HDPE pipe is known for its ability to withstand some of the toughest conditions, from extreme temperatures to altitude to geological activity.
At the same time, HDPE offers environmental benefits that embody Costa Rica’s pura vida (pure life) motto, which emphasizes a simple and stress-free way of living. Unlike some traditional piping methods, HDPE can be installed via trenchless methods, drastically reducing disruptions for those who live, work or relax near the work site. In addition, HDPE, when correctly installed, can last as long as 100 years while staying leak-free.
With no HDPE manufacturers located nearby, ESPH made the bold decision to begin importing HDPE pipe from overseas. That was only half of the process, though; ESPH knew that ensuring the new plastic pipelines were installed correctly was just as important as the piping material itself.
That’s where McElroy entered the story.
About a decade ago, Quintero and the McElroy team began supporting ESPH as it adopted HDPE fusion for the first time. Early crews worked primarily with manual Pit Bull machines and Rolling 28 fusion machines, equipment ideal for small‑ to mid‑diameter pipe and rural installations.
As projects grew in scale, ESPH added mid‑range systems like the TracStar 412 and TracStar 618, increasing both efficiency and capability.
“But the demand for HDPE is growing every year, especially as they expand networks and upgrade older lines,” Quintero said.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
What truly solidified the partnership, however, wasn’t just the equipment. To further provide ESPH with the best level of service, McElroy made a strategic shift to begin working directly with the utility provider itself.
McElroy’s commitment included annual on‑site visits, hands‑on fusion refreshers, and technical guidance.
“We kept visiting, supporting their crews, and updating new personnel,” Quintero said. “Staying consistent was important. They were grateful that we kept coming back.”
Today, the training classes often draw up to 20 participants, including new technicians, veteran crew members, and supervisors eager to refine their skills. Enthusiasm runs high, and while most of the instruction centers on Pit Bulls, 28s, and the occasional Polygon, every session reinforces the same message: high‑quality equipment deserves high‑quality installation.
ESPH now serves approximately 70,000 residents across its region, and its HDPE networks continue to expand as it replaces aging PVC systems and build stronger, longer‑lasting infrastructure.
For McElroy, the partnership is proof of what’s possible when commitment, collaboration, and shared purpose come together. And for the communities of Costa Rica, it’s a promise of reliable water service for generations to come.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
McElroy, (918) 836-8611, mcelroy.com
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