Drinking water in a subdivision: ESSAP, board or well

A lot without water sells poorly, and providing it depends on where the land is. There are three possible paths and each has its own paperwork. If you want us to design and build it, see our drinking water for subdivisions service.

Option 1: connection to the ESSAP network

In urban areas and Greater Asunción the service is provided by ESSAP, regulated by ERSSAN under Law 1614/00. For a private investor to build or extend networks, ESSAP publishes requirements: incorporation of the company, board minutes naming the signatory, power of attorney, location sketch, holder's ID and the list of cadastral current accounts of the beneficiaries. If the designed system discharges into a watercourse, the Environmental Impact Declaration is also required. The network design parameters are set by ESSAP in each feasibility.

Option 2: sanitation board

In small rural communities, SENASA provides technical assistance to the sanitation boards, which run the system. It is a possible route when the subdivision is far from the ESSAP network and forms a community.

Option 3: own system with artesian well and tank

When there is no network nearby, the subdivision can have its own well, an elevated tank and an internal network to each lot. The use of groundwater is regulated by the Water Resources Law 3239/07, implemented by Decree 7017/22, and the authority is MADES. Before drilling, it is advisable to check what is required in your case.

What to define before choosing

• Distance to the nearest ESSAP network and whether the land is within its service area.
• Number of lots and expected occupancy: a system that is just enough for today falls short when the lots fill up.
• Who will run the system after the sale (ESSAP, a board or the neighbors themselves).
• Whether your municipality's ordinance requires water before accepting the subdivision.

The national law (Law 3966/10, subdivision chapter) does not include water among the works the owner must do after approval. The municipal ordinance may require it.

The order of the works

Pipes go in before the paving, so the finished street does not have to be opened. The same goes for the poles of the power grid. We coordinate the three works in the turnkey infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Who provides drinking water in a subdivision?

ESSAP where it operates, SENASA with sanitation boards in small rural communities, or your own system with a well and tank.

Do I need a permit to drill a well?

The use of groundwater is regulated by Law 3239/07 and Decree 7017/22, with MADES as the authority. Confirm what is required before drilling.

Can you start with a well and connect to ESSAP later?

In some cases, yes, if the internal network is designed so it can be connected. It depends on the distance and on ESSAP's feasibility.

Does the law require providing water to the subdivision?

The subdivision chapter of Law 3966/10 does not include it among the mandatory works. The municipality's ordinance may require it.

Sources

• ESSAP, requirements for network construction or extension
• MADES, regulation of Law 3239/07 (Decree 7017/22)
• Law 3966/10 Municipal Organic Law, consolidated text

Notice. Informational content with rules consulted on 09/29/2026. Deadlines and values are indicative and vary by municipality and service provider; always confirm with the municipality or the relevant body. It does not constitute legal, tax or engineering advice, nor a promise of profitability. Last updated: September 30, 2026.