The Actual Situation of Water Resources in Central America and
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The Actual Situation of Water Resources in Central America and Initiatives to Improve Water Management Capacity Katherine Vammen Nicaraguan Research Center for Aquatic Resources of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (CIRA/UNAN). Existing Water Resources in Central America per Capita Average per year 31 064m3 The 7 countries have a population of 35 million in an area of 532,857 km2. Source: World Bank, 2001 Regional distribution of internal renewable water resources (IRWR) Sub-region Annual Precipitation Internal renewable water resources mm km³ km³ m³ per inhabitant (1997) 772 1 512 409 4 338 Central America 2 395 1 194 6 889 20 370 Greater Antilles 1 451 288 82 2 804 Lesser Antilles 1 141 17 4 - Guyana Sub-region 1 421 897 329 191 422 Andean Sub-region 1 991 9 394 5 186 49 902 Brazil 1 758 15 026 5 418 33 097 846 3 488 1 313 22 389 1 556 31 816 13 429 27 673 110 000 Source: Aquastat-FAO 41 022 6 984 29 33 Mexico Southern Sub-region LA & C World LA & C as % of World Unique Geographical Position and Biophysical Characteristics Key Factors Determining Water Management Criteria Bridge between Atlantic and Pacific oceans and North and South America. ►Two coastal areas Atlantic – 2740km Pacific – 2830km 480km ► Narrow Isthmus Area of 524 000km2 Territory stretches from latitude 7º to 19º N and from longitude 77º to 92º W. 65km Topography of Central America Convergence of tectonic plates result in sharp topography: Dominated to 77% by hillsides and highlands (max. 4000m) Complemented by sea-level plain areas Mountain regions with 109 volcanoes from Guatemala through Honduras and Nicaragua to Costa Rica. Lowlands present in northern Guatemala and the Nicaraguan Graben where the two largest Central American lakes are located. Lago Cocibolca and Lago Xolotlán. Geology of Central America ►Dominated by Cenozoic volcanic rocks mostly on Pacific coast. ►Sedimentary rock and more recent Alluvial formations in coastal valleys and plains. Country % Territory Volcanic Source: Los Acuíferos Volcánicos y el Desarrollo Sostenible en América Central, Losilla et al,2001 Guatemala 20 El Salvador 90 Belize 0 Honduras 35 Nicaragua 75 Costa Rica 30 Panama 64 Climate of Central America Precipitation (mm) Yearly Average Legend Belize City 5 - 100 100 - 200 Guatemala " 600-1000 Tegucigalpa " 1000-2000 San Salvador " Source:www.ccad.ws 2000-3000 Elaborated by Yelba Flores 3000-4000 Managua " 4000 y mas Climate essentially Tropical Influence of two oceanic climates and physiographical diversity marks changes from semi-desert on Pacific Coast 4000mm to intensive rainfall, humid tropicalAtlantic Coast with up to 6350mm annual rainfall on Mosquito Coast. San José " Panamá " Climate of Central America Years Cycle Due to these factors Central America has naturally abundant water resources of natural good quality. Political Division and Population Centers Corozal Libertad (Pembroke Hall) Orange Walk Crooked Tree Burrel Boom BELMOPAN San Ignacio â Flores â â Monkey River Town ► Total population of 34 million and second world wide in demographic growth. â Puerto Cortes Tela La Ceiba Puerto Barrios Tocoa Choloma Cobán San Pedro Sula Huehuetenango El Progreso Villanueva Olanchito San Marcos Santa Cruz del Quiché Zacapa La Entrada Potrerillos Yoro Guastatoya Santa Barbara Catacamas Quetzaltenango Chiquimula Juticalpa Chimaltenango GUATEMALA Jalapa Santa Rosa de Copan Comayagua Antigua Guatemala Retalhuleu La Paz Talanga Trojes Marcala Danli Jutiapa Chalatenango Sensuntepeque Jalapa El Paraiso Ahuachapan SAN SALVADORSan Francisco Gotera Ocotal San Vicente Zacatecoluca San Miguel Choluteca La Unión Esteli Jinotega â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â ââ â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â Siuna â â â â â â â â â â â â ► 22% population lives in 26 cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants. â â â â â â â â â â â â ►Accelerated urbanization: in 1990 - 44% lived in urban centers; in 2005 - >50% â â â â â â â â â â â â â â Sebaco Matagalpa Chinandega León MANAGUA Juigalpa Masaya Masatepe Granada Jinotepe Rivas â â â Source:www.ccad.ws Elaborated by Yelba Flores â â â â â â â â â â Corn Island Bluefields â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â ââ â â â â â â â â â â San Carlos LOS CHILES â â â â â â â â Total Population in millions of habitants 1990 2000 2005 2010 2015 Puntarenas Alajuela Heredia SAN JOSE Cartago Increase from1990 to 2015 â â â â â â Limón â â â Colón San Miguelito Arraiján PANAMÁ La Chorrera â â â â â David â â â â â â Santiago â â 32 868 36 726 40 775 44 914 73% â â â â 25 933 â â Changuinola Hydrogeological Conditions Aquifer Systems of Central America Source: Groundwater Resources of the World, Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe(GBR), February,2006. http://www.bgr.bund.de/cln_030/nn_466640/EN/Themen/Wasser/Projekte/Berat__Info/whymap/whymap__projektbeschr.html#Anker1 Volcanic Aquifers are presently the main source of water supply in Central America Volcanic aquifers tend to be important in higher elevation watersheds of the central Pacific volcanic belts. Natural Water Quality is usually excellent in the volcanic and alluvial aquifers. Source: Bethune,D. et al. Chapter 24-Hydrogeology of Central America in Geology, Resources and Hazards; Bundschuh& Alvarados(Eds) The largest Central American cities are dominantly supplied with water from volcanic aquifers. Hydrographical Watersheds of Central America BARACOUTA FRESHWATER CREEK (1) NORTHERN RIVER Source:www.ccad.ws Elaborated by Yelba Flores NEW RIVER RIO HONDO ► Rich network of rivers divided by mountain range. BELIZE RIVER LAGUNA YAXJA MONKEY RIVER RIO USUMACINTA RIO TEMASH RIO SARSTUN LISLIS RIO COATAN RIO SUCHIATE RIO NARANJO CANGREJAL SICO, TINTO O NEGRO PLATANO RIO DULCE CHAMALECON RIO SAMALA LAGO DE ATITLAN RIO NAHUALATE AGUAN ULUA RIO ULANG PATUCA RIO MADRE VIEJA RIO MARIA LINDA RIO SIS-ICAN RIO LOS ESCLAVOS RIO ACHIGUATE RIO ACOME RIO PASO HONDO RIO PAZ RIO COYOLATE ► 237 watersheds. WARUNTA CRUTA RIO MOTAGUA RIO WAWA RIO LEMPA LAGO DE COATEPEQUE VOLCAN DE SAN SALVADOR CHOLUTECA GOASCORAN NACAOME ► 30% of surface water flow to Pacific. RIO KUKALAYA RIO COCO RIO OCOSITO GRANDE DE SAN MIGUEL JIBOA RIO NEGRO ISLAS GOLFO DE FONSECA RIO GRANDE DE MATAGALPA RIO ESTERO REAL RIO KURINWAS ENTRE RIO KURINWAS Y RIO ESCONDIDO ENTRE V. COSIGUINA Y RIO TAMARINDO Lago Xolotlán RIO TAMARINDO Longest rivers are Motagua in Guatemala; Ulúa, Aguán and Patruca in Honduras; Coco border of Honduras and Nicaragua; Grande and Escondido in Nicaragua and San Juan, border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. RIO ESCONDIDO ENTRE RIO TAMARINDO Y RIO BRITO Lago Cocibolca RIO BRITO ENTRE R. ESCONDIDO Y R. PUNTA GORDA RIO PUNTA GORDA ENTRE RIO BRITO Y RIO SALINAS ► Rivers of greatest longitude flow into Caribbean coastal area. More numerous small rivers with higher flow rates drain into Pacific coast. ENTRE RIO PUNTA GORDA Y RIO SAN JUAN RIO SAN JUAN RIO TEMPISQUE RIO BEBEDERO RIO TORTUGUERO Y OTROS RIO REVENTAZON-PARISMINA JESUS MARIA RIOS PENINSULA NICOYA YRIO COSTA NORTE RIO PARRITA RIO MATINA RIO TUSUBRES Y OTROS RIO SAVEGRE RIO SIXAOLA RIO DAMAS Y OTROS RIOS ENTRE CHAGRES Y MANDINGA RIO MANDINGA RIO BARU Y OTROS RIO CHANGUINOLA RIO TERRABA LAGO GATUN RIO PACORA LAGO BAYANO RIOS ENTRE MANDINGA Y A RIO BAYANO RIO JUAN DIAZ Y OTROS RIO INDIO RIO BELEN Y OTROS RIO CAIMITO RIO ESQUINAS Y OTROS RIOS ENTRE CHANGUINOLA Y CRICAMOLA RIOS ENTRE BAYANO Y SANTA BARBARA RIO COCLE DEL NORTE RIO VERAGUAS RIO CRICAMOLA Y OTROS RIOS ENTRE SANTA BARBARA Y C PENINSULA DE OSA RIO CALOBEVORA RIOS ENTRE ANTON Y CAIMITO RIO CHIRIQUI RIO CHUCUNAQUE RIO GRANDE RIO FONSECA RIO COTO Y OTROS 36% of watersheds are transnational. RIO ANTON RIO SAN PABLO RIO SANTA MARIA RIO SAN PEDRO RIOS ENTRE EL TUCUTI Y EL S ISLAS GOLFO DE PANAMA RIO SAMBU RIO TUIRA RIO PARITA RIOS ENTRE EL TABASARA Y EL SAN PABLO RIO TUCUTI RIO LA VILLA RIOS ENTRE EL SAMBU Y EL JURADO RIOS ENTRE EL TONOSI Y EL VILLA RIOYTONOSI RIOS ENTRE EL SAN PERDRO EL TONOSI 19 Largest Hydrogeographical Watersheds of Central America Drainage Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Pacific Pacific Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Pacific Watershed Río Usumacinta Río San Juan Río Patuca Río Coco Río Ulúa Río Motagua Río Grande de Matagalpa Río Lempa Río Ocosito Río Escondido Río Belize Río Agua Río Dulce Río Sico, Tinto o Negro Río Choluteca Río Warunta Río Hondo Río Wawa Río Chucunaque Country México-Guatemala-Belice Nicaragua-Costa Rica Honduras Honduras-Nicaragua Honduras Guatemala-Honduras Nicaragua El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras Guatemala Nicaragua Belize Honduras Guatemala Honduras Honduras Honduras Belize Nicaragua Panama Area km 2 51190.36 42051.61 24593.87 24345.16 21396.03 18056.57 17959.96 17882.98 12944.45 11517.81 10529.36 10311.35 8016.75 7714.84 7430.68 6012.10 5948.15 5501.60 5043.52 Elaborated by Yelba Flores Drainage Area Countries Costa Rica 15 El Salvador 58 El Salvador - Honduras - Guatemala Guatemala Pacific Guatemala - México 2 Honduras 3 Honduras - El Salvador 1 Honduras - Nicaragua 1 Nicaragua 5 Nicaragua - Costa Rica 1 37 137 Belize 30 Costa Rica 9 Costa Rica - Panama 2 Guatemala 1 Guatemala - Belize 3 Guatemala - Honduras 1 Honduras 1 México - Guatemala - Belize 1 Nicaragua - Costa Rica Panama TOTAL Watersheds in Specific Countries and Transboundary Related to Pacific and Atlantic Drainage Areas 10 Honduras - Nicaragua Nicaragua Endorheic 12 1 TOTAL Watersheds in Central America 1 Guatemala - El Salvador Panama Atlantic # Watersheds 11 3 15 87 El Salvador 10 Guatemala 2 Elaborated by Yelba Flores Water Resources for Drinking Water Supply, Irrigation and Industry. * Groundwater provides 80% to 90% of potable water supply, irrigation water and industrial water supply. Compared to other regions world wide - 30-50%. * Central American cities depend totally (Managua) or to a larger percent (Guatemala, San Pedro Sula, San Salvador, and San José). * Groundwater usage is highest in rural areas (>90%). * Surface Waters are often contaminated and are reduced in quantity due to annual cycle in dry season. Potential of larger lakes has not been taken advantage of yet. * Use of surface waters as potable water presently is restricted to a few large cities from perennial rivers (San Jose and Tegucigalpa). Lakes and Coastal Lagunes in Central America Shipstern Lagoon Laguna de Cayo Frances Northern River LAgoon Saouthern Lagoon Mucklehany Northern Lagoon Quashie Trap Lagoon Lago Peten Itza Sapodilla Lagoon Placentia Lagoon Laguna de Brus Lago de Izabal Laguna de Caratasca Yojóa Lago de Atitlan 3 largest Lakes: Lago de Amatitlan Embalse Cerrón Grande Lago de Guija The Great Lakes of Nicaragua Lago Cocibolca - 3000 km2 Lago Xolotlán - 1016 km2 in Nicaraguan Graben Lago de Ilopango Source:www.ccad.ws Elaborated by Yelba Flores Lago Xolotlán Lago Cocibolca Embalse Arenal Laguna Corral de Piedra Embalse de Cachi Lago Gatún – 425 km2 Artificial lake, constructed in 1907 as part of Panama Canal Lago Gatún Lago Bayano Lago Xolotlán Lago Cocibolca Lago Cocibolca largest Lake of Central America and largest tropical lake of the Americas. Lago Cocibolca in Nicaragua – Largest Lake of Central America Largest Tropical Lake in the Americas Watershed Area 23 844 km2 Binational Watershed 83% Nicaragua 17% Costa Rica Water Volume Max. Depth Average Depth Altitude Length at longest axis Length at minor axis 11o01’29” – 12o07’09” N 85o55’21’ – 84o46’07” W Anual Precipitación in tropical sabana sector in southwestern sector ~ 104,000hm3 40m 13m 31.32m asl 160 km 70 km 1000-2000 mm > 2500 Lago Xolotlán-Second Largest Lake of Central America Latitude 12o30’N Longitude 86o45’W *Watershed Basin Area 6668km *Maximum depth 26m *Mean depth 7.8m *Elevation 37.84m asl *Total Volume 7.97 x 106.m3 *Maximum Length 58.4km *Minimum Length 32.7km Lago Gatún in Panama Situated in the valley of Chagres River. Formed by construction of Gatun Dam 10km from mouth in Caribbean Sea. Acts as reservoir of water for operation of canal locks. Elevation 26m asl. Volume 5.2 km3. Latitude 9º11’60N Longitude 79o55’0W Inspite of this favorable situation for Water Resources in Central America different factors are putting pressure on these resources Water Quality and in some instances Water Quantity influenced by negative impacts. Economic Water Scarcity Peter Rogers, Scientific American, august 2008 Reference: International Water Management Institute, 2007) Lack of technical training, deficient governing capacity and weak financial resources limit access even though supply is available. Problems of Water Resources in Central America to be considered in Water Management ►Growth rate of 2.3% - second region world wide in demographic growth. Major growth in urban areas. ► Distribution of population-two thirds of CA population lives in Pacific where 30% of surface waters flow. One third of populations located on Caribbean side of the Central American Mountain range which generates 70% of water resources. Results in pressure on resource. ► Deforestation rate per year ranges from 4.6% in El Salvador to 0.8% in Costa Rica. Nicaragua and Belize are similar to El Salvador and Honduras is above average. Dominance of Agriculture in Central America SIMBO LO GIA Ecosystems G uatem a la Tegucig alpa % % % San Salvador Source:www.ccad.ws Elaborated by Yelba Flores M an agua % Arbustales de coníferas Arbustales de latifoliadas Arbustales m ixtos Areas con escasa vegetación Arrecifes coralinos Bosques decíduos de latifoliadas Bosques m anglares Bosques sem idecíduos de latifoliadas Bosques sem idecíduos mixtos Bosques siem preverdes de coníferas Bosques siem preverdes y sem isiem preverdes de latifoliadas Bosques siem preverdes y sem isiem preverdes mixtos Cuerpos de agua Otros Pantanos y hum edales Páramos Plantaciones forestales Sabanas Sin datos Sistem as agropecuarios Sistem as productivos acuáticos (cam aroneras, salineras) Urbano Sa n José % Pa nam á % Source: World Bank: Agricultural Land Use; Selected Countries, 2001 Deforestation in Central America Forest Coverage 1950, 1970 and 1985 1950 1985 1970 Central America has 70% of the land with vocation for forest. In 1995, 38% had vegetation cover with a yearly rate of deforestation of 388,000 ha. Causes increase in sedimentation to surface waters and coastal areas especially Caribbean side. ► Due to dominance of agricultural land use and intensive agriculture projects (coffee, banana, cotton and others) the region has the highest use of pesticides per capita and wide use of high quantities of persistent organic pesticides(POP’s), which has contaminated surface waters through runoff and in some instances groundwater especially in rural areas with lack of protection of artesian wells. ► Increase in urbanization with increase in leachates from solid and liquid wastes in areas of recharge and surface waters. ►Lack of sanitary infrastructure including drinking water and waste water treatment due to lack of economic development. Drinking Water and Sanitation Drinking Water Coverage Improved System(%) 2006 Country Belice Sanitation(%) Improved 2006 Urban 100 Rural -- Urban 94 Rural 28 Guatemala 99 94 90 79 El Salvador 94 68 90 80 Statistics from Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation, Special Focus on Sanitation, UNICEF and WHO, 2008 Honduras 95 74 78 55 Relation between drinking water and sewage system coverage and infant mortality. 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 CAN EUA CUB CHI COR URU VEN ARG PAN COL MEX DOR HON ECU ELS BRA Gu at 7 8 10 14 14 20 23 24 25 26 34 42 43 44 44 47 48 Acceso Agua 100 100 91 91 100 89 79 65 84 75 83 73 77 55 53 69 67 Acceso Saneamiento 100 100 94 90 94 94 69 84 93 83 72 90 70 58 68 85 79 Mortalidad Infantil NIC PER HAI 52 62 55 86 66 39 76 74 26 Cortesía del Dr. Otterstetter Climate change effects intensity and frequency of tropical storms in Central America Source: SICA,Marco Regional de Adaptación al Cambio Climatico para Centro America Potential Areas of Flooding for Altitudes near Sea Level ► Changes in land use (e.g. conversion forest land to pasture land) has increased erosion and runoff to surface waters. ►Climate change means an increase in natural disastersflooding which leads to modifications of drainage system of rivers and landslides, increase in dry season which leads to deficiency of water in semi desert areas and higher ocean levels causing salinization of aquifers and surface water. ► Increase in industrial contamination such as mining, urban industries (San Pedro Sula), local storage of hydrocarbon fuel due to lack of protection measures, etc. ►No management plans at national and regional levels for both surface water and groundwater reservoirs. Capacity of groundwater unknown in some areas. Change in Land Use and Deforestation Eutrofication of Surface Waters Lago Cocibolca Land Use Area km2 % Total Area Tacotal y Pasto sin Maleza 3947 33,81 Maleza y Pasto con Árboles 2618 22,43 Pasto Manejado 2206 18,9 Bosque Latifoliado Abierto 1160 9,94 Cultivos Anuales 647 5,55 Área Humanizada 211 1,81 Tierra sujeta a Inundación 195 1,67 75.14% Pasture Grazing Land Deforestation in the Watershed of Lago Cocibolca which accelerates lake Eutrophication Signs of Progressing Eutrofication of Lago Cocibolca Massive Fish Kills September, 2004 Isla de Ometepe Erosión Agua Contaminada Lago Xolotlán Tensores Ambientales sobre el Lago Cocibolca Fertilizantes Escala 1:750 000 N Aguas Negras, Basura, Efluentes Industriales Isla Zapatera Agroquímicos Isla de Ometepe Impacto del Turismo sin Infraestructura Desechos Agroindustriales de Jaulas Flotantes (Cultivo de Tilapia) Desechos Sólidos y Aguas Negras Escorrentía de Plaguicidas Centro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos de Nicaragua (CIRA/UNAN) Alta Carga de Sedimentos Cortesía T. Salvatierra Comparison between Potential Land Use and Actual Land Use in Watershed of Lago Xolotlán 600000 600000 1450000 1450000 1450000 550000 1450000 550000 Sta. Rosa del Peñón San Fco. Libre 550000 1350000 1350000 1350000 1350000 El Jicaral 1400000 San Fco. Libre 1400000 El Jicaral 1400000 1400000 Sta. Rosa del Peñón 600000 Potencial del Suelo AREAS PROTEGIDAS FORESTALES PECUARIA AGRICOLAS 550000 600000 Mapas elaborated by Yelba Flores Uso del Suelo Afloramientos rocosos Agua Area humanizada Area volcanica Bosque de pino abierto Bosque de pino cerrado Bosque latifoliado abierto Bosque latifoliado cerrado Bosque mixto Cafe con sombra Cafe sin sombra Centros poblados Cultivos anuales Cultivos anuales bajo riego Huertos Maleza y pasto con arboles Manglares Pasto manejado Plantaciones forestales (pinares) Suelo sin vegetación Tacotal y pasto con maleza Tierra sujeta a inundación Vegetacion arbustiva Plantaciones forestales Amplification of the Panama Canal Conflict economic growth and ecosystem Impacts Deforestation for Construction. Salinization of Lago Gatun and Lago Miraflores. Results have been Effects on recharge areas: contamination and increase in impermeability of soils. Overexploitation of aquifers mainly in urban areas. Lowering of water table. Contamination of surface waters and some aquifers with agrochemicals. Increase of Eutrofication processes in surface waters. Cost for water treatment is therefore rising. Scarcity of water in semi-arid conditions. Legislation, Institutional Framework and Regional Action Plan to regulate and protect Water Resources in Central America ►Water authorities have not yet been established; fragmentation of water resources management in disperse institutions. ► Only in Nicaragua, national water law established and installation of water authority in 2010. ► Regional CA Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management (PACADHIR). Little effect on regional coordination for Water Management. Iniciatives to Improve Water Management Capacity • Legal and Institucional Framework • Improving Management Capacity at University Level and in Comunities • Improving Information Systems of Watersheds and Water Resouces to Stimulate Better Management •Formation of Committees on a Comunity Basis to guarantee Drinking Water and Sanitation and better watershed management especially in poverty stricken rural areas that the government hasn´t reached. General Law of National Waters LEY GENERAL DE AGUAS NACIONALES Capítulo II De la Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA) Arto. 24 Se crea la Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA) que será el órgano descentralizado del Poder Ejecutivo en materia del agua, con personería jurídica propia, autonomía administrativa y financiera. Esta tendrá facultades técnicas-normativas, técnicas-operativas y de control y seguimiento, para ejercer la gestión, manejo y administración en el ámbito nacional de los recursos hídricos, de conformidad a la presente Ley y su reglamento. Arto. 25 La ANA a fin de garantizar la gestión descentralizada y la operatividad en la gestión integral de los recursos hídricos en todo el país, deberá proponer al Consejo Nacional de Recursos Hídricos (CNRH) para su aprobación, la conformación de los Organismos de Cuenca que se requieran de acuerdo a lo dispuesto por el Capítulo III del presente tít lo General Law of National Waters (Law No. 620 approved on 15 of May 2007) emphasizes the importance of developing a National System of Information for Water Resources • Art. 14 g) El Sistema Nacional de Información de los Recursos Hídricos-conformado principalmente por la información geográfica, meteorológica, hidrológica, hidrogeológica e incluye el manejo de los bancos de datos, la operación y mantenimiento de las redes y la difusión de la información obtenida. • Art. 27 Las funciones técnicas operativas de la Autoridad Nacional de Agua (ANA) son, entre otras: e) Organizar y coordinar el Sistema de Información de los Recursos Hídricos que hagan posible determinar la disponibilidad de las aguas nacionales en cantidad y calidad, así como, el inventario de los usos y usuarios del recurso. Arto. 97 Es responsabilidad del Estado con la participación de los Gobiernos Municipales, Consejos Regionales, Asociaciones de Municipios, Sector Privado, Organizaciones No Gubernamentales y población en general, la protección, conservación y destino de las aguas del Gran Lago de Nicaragua o Cocibolca. Este lago deberá considerarse como reserva natural de agua potable, siendo del más elevado interés y prioridad nacional para la seguridad nacional, debiéndose establecer mecanismos y regulaciones específicas que aseguren y regulen la productividad del agua y al mismo tiempo que aseguren el mantenimiento e incremento de los caudales que permita el desarrollo de las actividades económicas, sin menoscabo de la producción de agua, tanto en cantidad como en calidad, prohibiendo la introducción y cultivo de especies exóticas invasoras, igual que evitando la contaminación del recurso y el deterioro de su ecosistema por vertidos industriales y domésticos. CREATION OF THE CORREDOR FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUNICIPALITIES OF THE WATERSHED OF LAGO XOLOTLÁN, COCIBOLCA AND RÍO SAN JUAN In spite of the favorable conditions of water resources in Central America, the problems and impacts are increasing and becoming more complex Great need for an improvement of water management in Central America. There exists a great deficit of experts on all levels for adequate water management, professionals who can stimulate research to produce information needed for planning by water resource decision makers at regional central American, national and municipal level. It is important to increase technical capacity for monitoring water quality which should provide better comprehension of the nature of negative impacts on water resources to stimulate solutions and better water management on a watershed basis. Regional initiatives to improve technical and research capacity of water managers and to increase knowledge so essential for decision-making processes in the creation of policies combined with central and local planning to protect and conserve the richness in water resources available in Central America. Initiatives to Enhance Water Management Capacity Master´s Programmes Students receive an academic formation in water sciences which can be applied in watershed management through a selected Plan of Study and application of their acquired knowledge in Research Projects focused on specific watersheds. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua Centro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos Maestría Regional Centroamericana Ciencias del Agua con Énfasis en Calidad de Agua Acreditada por el Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA) Centroamérica cuenta con una alta disponibilidad de los recursos hídricos: 31,064 m3 por habitante anualmente. Sin embargo, con la creciente población, los problemas de calidad y los impactos del cambio climático se vuelve aún más importante aumentar la capacidad de gestión dirigida a estos recursos. La Maestría pretende formar profesionales que contribuyan al Manejo Sostenible de los Recursos Hídricos. Para lograr esto, los estudiantes del programa reciben una sólida formación académica durante 2 años y desarrollan un Proyecto de Investigación (Tesis), dirigido a resolver problemas o contribuir a un Plan de Gestión Integrada de Cuenca en el contexto de los recursos hídricos regionales. Objetivos del Programa de Maestría • Formar profesionales capaces de contribuir activamente en los esfuerzos nacionales y regionales de mejoramiento del manejo de la calidad de los recursos hídricos. • Incrementar el nivel académico de los profesionales dedicados a la investigación y docencia de postgrado en el tema de manejo de recursos hídricos. • Contribuir al desarrollo científico universal mediante la investigación aplicada a problemas de los recursos hídricos de la región. Líneas de Investigación El enfoque del programa es la investigación aplicada a la solución de los problemas hídricos en Centroamérica, particularmente en el área de calidad del agua y la gestión integrada de los recursos hídricos en sus cuencas hidrográficas y en comunidades con problemas de agua. Esto no sólo contribuye a la generación de información científica, sino que apoya la formación de futuros especialistas en Gestión Integrada de Recursos Hídricos. Ejemplos de Tesis realizadas: • Plan de gestión y desarrollo integral en la subcuenca Las Playitas, Moyúa y Tecomapa, de la cuenca del Río Grande de Matagalpa, municipio de Ciudad Darío. • Aplicación de un modelo matemático para la evaluación del acuífero del Valle de Sébaco. • Evaluación de la Problemática Ambiental por medio del Estudio de algunos Aspectos de Sedimentación y Contaminación en la Laguna de Bluefields, RAAS, Nicaragua. • Caracterización de la Estela de Contaminación del Basurero la Joya en Granada. Plan de Estudios Cursos obligatorios: - Agua y Sociedad - Hidrología - Hidrogeología - Limnología - Hidrogeoquímica - Ecotoxicología - Contaminación de los Recursos Hídricos - Desarrollo Participativo en la Gestión - de Proyectos Rurales de Agua - Ingeniería de Aguas - Gestión Integrada de Cuencas Cursos cortos intensivos - Socioeconomía de los - Recursos Hídricos - Administración, Gestión y Evaluación de Proyectos relacionados a los Recursos - Hídricos - Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental - Legislación Ambiental - Modelos Matemáticos de Perfil de ingreso Aguas Subterráneas Prácticas de campo El programa está dirigido a profesionales con -grado académico de en Ingeniería o Licenciatura en Biología, Química,Hidrogeología Ecología, Geología, - Geofísica Aplicada a Física, Geografía y/o en campos afines. los - Recursos Características del Programa Hídricos - Hidrología •Programa de 70 créditos (40 corresponden a cursos y 30 alIsotópica trabajo de - Sistemas de tesis) organizado en 6 Módulos. Información •Duración de 2 años. Geográfica •Dedicación a tiempo completo. •Proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje con alto contenido práctico (campo y laboratorio). Program of Semester Courses Plan de Estudio Central American Masters Programme in Science of Water Nicaraguan Research Center for Aquatic Resources of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (CIRA/UNAN). Emphasis in Water Quality and Watershed Management ASIGNATURAS CREDITS First Module Water and Society 2 Hidrology 4 Hidrogeology 5 Limnology 5 Metodology of Investigation Secund Module Hidrogeochemistry 5 Ecotoxicology 4 Contamination of Water Resources 3 Participative Development for Management of Projects in Rural Areas 2 PG-I Presentation of Protocol of Investigation 6 Third Module PG-II Investigation in Field and Laboratory 6 Fourth Module PG-III Presentation of Advance in Thesis 3 Fourth Module Integral Management of Watersheds 2 PG-IV Predefense of Thesis 9 PG-V Defense of Thesis 6 Initiatives to Link Water Research and Water Management A few Examples of Research Projects and Thesis of the Nicaraguan Research Center for Aquatic Resources to Establish Information for Water Management GROUNDWATER FLOW SYSTEM AND WATER QUALITY IN A COASTAL PLAIN AQUIFER IN NW NICARAGUA 50 Valeria Delgado Quezada ER Casita Volcano A t oya R. R. S a sa s am a A’ 10 0 CO RD ILL 200 N Chinandega AD EL OS MA R IB e R. A c o m IOS B(H) Posoltega PA CI FIC LEGEND s Po e o lt P(L) OC E City Main road Study area limit Contour lines (m.a.s.l.) A’ Geological cross-section Piezometer installations AN T(M) a io uc g S R. R. an R. S A s gu Ch t in iqu R. Te li c a León it o 20 0 m.a .s.l Main Conclusion: Two GW impacted zones: 1) high intensity agriculture anthropogenic impact zone (12 meters depth below GW Main Result: Depth of GW quality impacts by table), and 2) anthropogenic mixed impact the use of POP´s (organochlorine pesticides) in zone (~10 m depth below the first zone). cotton culture, was determined in the aquifer of A 10 0m A R. 50 m . 0 18 Scale -Kilometers León-Chinandega. NE Topographic Sheet VILLA 15 JULIO Topographic Sheet TELICA Topographic Sheet TELICA SW Horizontal Scale 1:50000 Vertical Scale 1:3,333 Topographic Sheet CHINANDEGA 1200 m.a.s.l. Casita Volcano 1100 LEGEND 1000 EDCBA Piezometer Nest and code character 900 Infiltration average isotopic recharge value lines 800 700 Average isotopic recharge value lines 600 Water Level 500 High Intensity Agriculture Anthropogenic Impact zone 400 Anthropogenic Impact Mixed Zone Urbanización Rolando Rodríguez 300 CALLE REAL DEL BOSQUE 200 Posoltega EL TRIANON EDCBA EL POLVON 100 Pacific Doña Ocean Paula Estuary E DCBA EDCBA 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 Depth of Anthropogenic Water Quality Impacts Thesis Research:Valeria Delgado 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 km Application: Depth at which shallow (dug) and deep (drilled) wells should be installed in the region for groundwater supply. A regional-scale groundwater flow model for the Leon-Chinandega Aquifer, Nicaragua • • River discharge x 1000 (m3/day) 360 300 240 180 120 60 0 GW extraction from 1970-1971 GW extraction from 2004-2005 Additional gw development -60 -120 29-feb 30-abr 30-jun 30-ago 30-oct Thesis Research: Heyddy Calderón 30-dic 01-mar 01-may River baseflow is very sensitive to increases in groundwater extraction. Pumping induces a decrease in river discharge, depleting baseflow. This situation becomes very critical during dry periods, when irrigation is highest. Once baseflow is depleted by pumping, water levels will descend affecting water supply and irrigation wells. The response time of the aquifer is about one hydrologic year, whichgallows developing management strategies within short time horizons. Simulations can be used to establish a balance between desirable groundwater development and reasonable levels of surface water depletion. Tools for forecasting and Planning in watersheds Evaluation of Contamination with Volatil Hydrocarbons (BTEX) in the Site of a Gasoline Spill from a Storage Tank of a Gasoline Station (Colonia Unidad de Proposito, Managua, Nicaragua) Principal Result: In order to better evaluate hydrocarbon spill sites, a method was developed which combined geological evaluations of the site, geophysical characterization and analysis of samples taken from perforation wells for content on BTEX. Main Application: A guide for the regulation and pre-evaluation of sites for storage tanks at gasoline stations. Thesis Research: Maria Elena López MASTERS THESIS IN SCIENCE OF WATER Management Plan and Integral Development of the Subwatershed of Las Playitas, Moyua and Tecomapa in the Municipality of the City of Dario Objetive of the Plan To contribute to the improvemento of living conditions of the population and the ecological restaration of the subwatershed through land-use planning in accordance with the social and economic development of the population Thesis Research: Thelma Salvatierra MANAGEMENT PLAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM Subprogram of Development of Sustainable Turism (Ecoturismo Subprogram for production CONSERVATION PROGRAM Sub-Program for rehabilatation and protection of water resources. Sub-Program for rehabilatation and conservation of soil. Sub-Programa for rehabilatation and development of forests. LAND-USE PLAN (Optimal Use of Land and Resources) Sub-Program for rehabilatation and development of biodiversity. Components of Strategy for Improvement of Better Watershed Management Support authorities at the municipal level in Developing Watershed plans on the bases of concrete Information of their water resources. Developing an Information System for the Integrated Management of Water Resources of Nicaragua Instrument to promote planning in the watershed and support decision-making. The information system will be developed by the National Water Authority and directed to support municipalities with information in their sub watersheds. Different institutions related to water resources will contribute in the generation and organization of information in this system. This system should stimulate the creation of better national policies which lead to better sustained usage and protection of water resources. “Committees for Drinking Water and Sanitation” Nicaragua (Comités de Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Nicaragua, CAPS) • • 1 200 000 Nicaraguans have water administrated by CAPS http://capsnicaragua.blogspot.com/ Functions of CAPS: – Solicit with municipal authorities construction works for drinking water and sanitation. – Orientate, direct and organize the construction. – Assure the care and maintenance of the works. – Support initiatives for health campaigns, reforestation and conservation of environment. Thank you for your attention for Water Management in Central America