Theme Institutional Strengthening • Laws & Policies • Wastewater Management

Water pollution is a widespread problem in the CAFTA-DR region. Untreated wastewater, debris and agricultural runoff enter lakes, rivers and wetlands. These contaminants degrade the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the receiving waters, to the detriment of people, aquatic animals and plants that depend on clean water for their health and welfare.

Water pollution also impedes the region’s ability to develop its trade potential and attract investment. A straightforward example in trade: Fish exported to the U.S. must meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards—pollution can adversely affect compliance. Regarding investment: Businesses, domestic and international, seek predictability of requirements and fair application of law. Consistent standards and regulations for Wastewater Management will improve the quality of aquatic food products, and provide investors with reliable information on environmental requirements— an important aspect of leveling the economic playing field.

The Environmental Cooperation Program addresses water quality under almost all its Themes, most specifically under Wastewater Management but also under Solid Waste Management and Chemicals & Hazardous Substances Management. For a more complete picture of what we do to help improve CAFTA-DR’s water quality, please also take a look at those links.

Wastewater is water that has been used—for washing, flushing or in a manufacturing process. It comes from many sources, including homes, commercial establishments, farms, and industries. In the CAFTA-DR region, wastewater is largely untreated. The Program has taken the first steps to remedy the situation by promoting appropriate wastewater regulation and building capacity for implementation.

Activities have concentrated in three primary areas, all of which involve extensive consultation and training. Results in each area require collaboration of government—Ministries of Environment and Public Health, Sewer and Aqueduct authorities, municipalities—and of private sector business.

• Wastewater Regulation: The Model Wastewater Regulation sets out a framework for establishing water quality standards, treatment processes and programs to control sources of pollution, and to promote public participation.
  
  
• Appropriate Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Systems (ASWTS): The Program has worked to finalize the ASWTS, has trained officials on how to inspect different types of treatment systems, and has donated sampling equipment.
  
  
• Wastewater Laboratories: The goal is to establish a wastewater laboratory in each CAFTA-DR country meeting ISO/IEC 17025. ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard used by testing and calibration laboratories, specifies the general requirements for competence to carry out tests and calibrations, including sampling. For more, on ISO/IEC 17025:2005 see http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=39883