“Water contamination case heads to Inter-American Commission of Human Rights”, 20 Mar 2015

…[T]he Inter-American Commission on Human Rights…hold a hearing on the case of contaminated water in Siquirres…[S]upporters allege that the government of Costa Rica is violating the communities’ right to access clean water by not properly handling the contamination problem, and not forcing pineapple growers to accept their share of responsibility…[R]esidents of Milano have experienced skin problems, headaches and muscle aches…

The aqueduct that supplies Milano connects with...[an]…aquifer and five springs, …where the company Frutex once grew pineapples. Later, the multinational fruit company Del Monte bought the plantation…[P]ineapple companies have been accused of contaminating ground and surface water sources, invading water recharge areas, destroying protected areas around springs and gullies, and violating labor rights…

...For their part, pineapple growers say because they produce mostly for export, they must comply with strict guidelines on pesticide use from the European Union and United States. According to the Environment Ministry, Del Monte hasn’t violated any rules regulating agricultural runoff because it doesn’t have any permits for runoff. The company reuses treated water from its plantations...

Costa Rican courts have recognized pineapple growers’ role in water contamination…[R]esidents of Siquirres and representatives from the Milano aqueduct association will present their complaints and the Costa Rican government will explain what it’s doing to guarantee delivery of potable water to the area…