Some 36 ponds and lakes created by three rivers, the Brujuelas, Tosa and the Caganche, are about to disappear. Indeed, 15 of ponds are already nearly dry. Deforestation around the lakes and the extraction of underground water are to blame for the disappearance of these bodies of water. As a result, there has been an increase of saltwater detected in the aquifers in the area.
According to the article in Diario Libre, a report that studied the availability and demand of water in each of the provinces suggests that the extraction of subterranean water is between 500 and 600 m³ per inhabitant. The extraction of the underground water has led to the contamination of wells in the area, principally due to saltwater intrusion.
The study also shows that because of a loss of quality in the available water, there is a marked decrease in amount potable water available for area households and businesses.
It is projected that by the year 2020, the per capita availability of water will be 1,502 mm per habitant per year, which is not a good forecast.
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Diario Libre
2 March 2017
