Regional hydro-climatic characterization for the efficient use and management of water Study case

Resumen

Objective: To analyze official information to project future groundwater availability and demand scenarios, based on the different consumptive uses of the Alto Atoyac aquifer, in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology used in this study included a bibliographic and documentary research. Likewise, based on the Penman-Monteith equation, quantitative research was used to calculate and estimate crop irrigation requirements.

Results: The results of the availability and demand of groundwater showed a surplus of ≈23.34% in 2020. This percentage will gradually decrease in the following years until it reaches a 24.71% deficit by 2070. Consequently, a groundwater deficit in the Alto Atoyac aquifer will take place throughout the whole period (2020-2070). From 2040 to 2050, this deficit will gradually increase.

Study Limitations/Implications: Measures for a sustainable use, exploitation, and conservation of the aquifer must be urgently implemented, as a regular and frequent measurements of aquifer depletion, through measures of phreatic and dynamic groundwater levels, also regular and frequent measures of groundwater extraction, water conduction through the conveyance and distribution system, and finally amounts of water applied to all crop pattern.

Findings/Conclusions: The integration of the consulted and generated data allowed the development of groundwater availability and demand scenarios in the aquifer. In addition, comparisons between the said scenarios were established and conclusions were drawn. The growing water demand in the region —required to meet the basic needs of the localities and inhabitants and to keep driving the economic activities in the region— would have negative effects on the environment and the inhabitants, due to the overexploitation of the aquifer groundwater.