The community of San Pedro de Barva, in the province of Heredia, last weekend received the highest honor bestowed by the Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute's (AyA) ecological flag program.

Officials from AyA and the local Rural Aqueduct Association (ASADA) hoisted the white, six-starred “sanitary stamp” flag on Sunday, six years after the community began initiatives to protect its aquifer.

“The raising of this flag represents the hard work of this community to protect its environment,” said Marvin Mora, president of the San Pedro de Barva ASADA

In 2003 the community began planting trees to prevent water run-off, organizing workshops on protecting water supplies, and increasing the collection of solid waste. Since then, 100 percent of the water that has left the Barva Aqueduct has been potable.

The community received one star for each year it maintained perfection and achieved the maximum six stars last week.

ASADA began the white flag program in 1997 to complement the country's blue flag program. White flags are issued to communities that protect aqueducts and maintain potable water for all of its neighbors.

To obtain six stars, an aqueduct must be equipped with a chlorination system and absolutely clean storage tanks. Community members also must organize water education campaigns, plant trees and develop strong waste collection services to ensure the safety of the aquifer's water.