Water Contamination

Conventional banana cultivation generates a permanent and systematic impact on the rivers, streams and lagoons, and similarly on the seas and ground waters, all of which are very important for sustaining natural ecosystems, as well as for human consumption.

During the period of great banana production expansion, approximately between 1987 and 1994, in their desire to expand their production areas, many companies altered the riverbeds and drained lagoons and wetlands. Today, the rivers and streams in the banana areas collect large amounts of pesticide residues—that are consistently applied in the plantations—as well as sediments, plastics, and contaminated water containing bleach that comes from the packing plants.

Many of the towns that neighbor the plantations receive contaminated water. However, because no other sources exist, the people continue to use this water. In addition, many people use the contaminated rivers for bathing and clothes washing.

Another situation to emphasize is that the Forest Law in Costa Rica protects the 10 meters of land surrounding the riverbanks. But in many cases, the banana plantations extend right up to the edge of rivers and canals.