Probably discussed before, but where does the drinking water for Boquete and the surrounding area come from? Source? Is it treated in any way or untreated?
And where does the sewage go? If you live in town or if you live in the nearby areas?
How does this differ from Volcan or David?
Replies
We have lived here for 4.5 yrs and drink water out of the tap. Never drink bottled water anywhere in Panama. Never had a problem. Wouldn't live here if I had to use bottled.
This might help explain some small part of Boquete's water saga
http://www.boqueteguide.com/?p=10874
Thanks, Lee. It does explain much. Basically, learn before you leap into a purchase or rental of any property. Just another on the long list of things to consider. Up here, in the urban environment, these things are expected and rarely questioned. Not so in Panama.
Expect the Unexpected
Yo Sheldon,
You need to realize that moving to Boquete is like moving to the frontier of Alaska but without the snow.
There are something like 20-60 water systems in Boquete. NOTHING is provided by the government. It's up to you to take responsibility for where you move and the water that you get. Learn Spanish.
Most systems have cisterns collecting runoff from the mountains above, flowing through plastic pipes which pass your house. Filtering and backup storage is entirely up to you. When a tree falls on a pipe three miles up in a canyon, you may be called upon to help repair it - that is if you want to have water.
Reliability varies wildly, depending on where you are. Some systems, which are now expected to supply large developments, are failing on a regular basis, no water for weeks.
All sewerage is septic. Period. No government, no sewers.
Sheldon, Panama is a Ron Paul kind of country - minimum government and maximum personal responsibility. If you are good with that, you will get along fine.
As a resident of six years, I have seen many people come and go from Boquete. I think I speak for all of us who are permanent here that we welcome and will support those who are truly adaptable and ready to make their lives here. Your questions are good and reasonable. Ask more.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Mark
Water is not treated, except sporadically, and probably not in all areas. You need to filter your water for particulates and agricultural chemicals (if you can find activated charcoal filters, which I have been unable to do). Treat your drinking water by UV, boiling, or reverse osmosis. Water quality varies in different locations and different seasons. Some people drink it right out of the tap, but I wouldn't risk it. Amoebas and giardia (and worse) are very unpleasant.
We are septic systems here, and the water comes from different sources depending were you live. Search "water".