The Actual Situation of WaterResources in Central Americaand Initiatives to Improve WaterManagement Capacity

Katherine Vammen

Nicaraguan Research Center for Aquatic Resourcesof the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua

(CIRA/UNAN).

Existing Water Resources in Central America per Capita

Average per year 31 064mAverage per year 31 064m33

Source: World Bank, 2001

The 7 countries have a population of35 million in an area of 532,857 km2.

Regional distribution of internal renewable water resources (IRWR)

Sub-region Annual Precipitation Internal renewable water resources

mm km³ km³ m³ per inhabitant (1997)

Mexico 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

Southern Sub-region 846 3 488 1 313 22 389

LA & C 1 556 31 816 13 429 27 673

World - 110 000 41 022 6 984

LA & C as % of World 29 33Source: Aquastat-FAO

480km

65km

►Two coastal areasAtlantic – 2740kmPacific – 2830km

Unique Geographical Position and Biophysical CharacteristicsKey Factors Determining Water Management Criteria

► Narrow IsthmusArea of 524 000km2

Bridge between Atlantic and Pacific oceans and North and South America.

Territory stretches from latitude7º to 19º N and from longitude 77º to 92º W.

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 volcanoesfrom Guatemala through Hondurasand Nicaragua to Costa Rica.

Lowlands present in northern Guatemala and the Nicaraguan Graben where the two largestCentral American lakes are located. Lago Cocibolcaand Lago Xolotlán.

Geology of Central America

Source: Los Acuíferos Volcánicos y el Desarrollo Sostenible en América Central, Losilla et al,2001

►Dominated by Cenozoic volcanic rocks mostly on Pacific coast.

►Sedimentary rock and more recent Alluvial formations in coastal valleysand plains.

Country % TerritoryVolcanic

Guatemala 20

El Salvador 90

Belize 0

Honduras 35

Nicaragua 75

Costa Rica 30

Panama 64

Precipitation (mm) Yearly Average

Climate of Central America

Climate essentially Tropical

Influence of two oceanic climatesand physiographical diversity marks changes from semi-desert on Pacific Coast 4000mm to intensive rainfall, humid tropical-Atlantic Coast with up to 6350mm annual rainfall on Mosquito Coast.

"

"

"

"

"

"

Belize City

Panamá

Managua

San José

GuatemalaTegucigalpa

San Salvador

Legend

2000-3000

3000-4000

4000 y mas

600-1000

1000-2000

5 - 100

100 - 200

Source:www.ccad.wsElaborated by Yelba Flores

Climate of Central AmericaYears Cycle

Due to these factors Central America has naturally abundant water resources of natural good

quality.

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Cobán

Zacapa

Jalapa

Flores

Jutiapa

La Unión

GUATEMALA

San Marcos

Retalhuleu

Guastatoya Chiquimula

Ahuachapan

San MiguelSan Vicente

ChalatenangoSAN SALVADOR

Zacatecoluca

Chimaltenango

Huehuetenango

Sensuntepeque

Quetzaltenango

Puerto Barrios

Antigua Guatemala

San Francisco Gotera

Santa Cruz del Quiché

Tela

Yoro

Tocoa

Danli TrojesLa Paz

Choloma

TalangaMarcala

La Ceiba

Comayagua

Choluteca

CatacamasJuticalpa

OlanchitoVillanueva

El Paraiso

La Entrada PotrerillosEl Progreso

Puerto Cortes

Santa Barbara

San Pedro Sula

Santa Rosa de Copan

Siuna

Rivas

Sebaco

Esteli

Ocotal

Jalapa

Granada

MANAGUA Juigalpa

JinotepeMasatepe

Jinotega

Matagalpa

Bluefields

San Carlos

Corn Island

LimónHerediaCartago

AlajuelaSAN JOSE

Puntarenas

LOS CHILES

David

Colón

PANAMÁ

Santiago

Arraiján

Changuinola

La Chorrera

San Miguelito

Masaya

LeónChinandega

Corozal

BELMOPAN

Orange Walk

San Ignacio

Burrel BoomCrooked Tree

Libertad (Pembroke Hall)

Monkey River Town

Political Division and Population Centers

► Total population of 34 million and secondworld wide in demographic growth.

► 22% population lives in 26 citieswith more than 100 000 inhabitants.

►Accelerated urbanization: in 1990 - 44%lived in urban centers; in 2005 - >50% Source:www.ccad.ws

Elaborated by Yelba Flores

1990 2000 2005 2010 2015 Increase from1990 to2015

25 933 32 868 36 726 40 775 44 914 73%

Total Population in millions of habitants

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

Hydrogeological ConditionsAquifer Systems of Central America

Volcanic Aquifers are presently the main source of water supply in Central America

Volcanic aquifers tend to be important in higher elevation watersheds of thecentral Pacific volcanic belts. Natural Water Quality is usually excellent in the volcanic and alluvial aquifers.

The largest Central American cities are dominantly supplied with water from volcanic aquifers.

Source: Bethune,D. et al. Chapter 24-Hydrogeology of Central America in Geology, Resources and Hazards; Bundschuh& Alvarados(Eds)

ULUA

PATUCA

RIO SAN JUAN

RIO USUMACINTA

RIO COCO

RIO LEMPA

AGUAN

RIO MOTAGUA

RIO OCOSITO

BELIZE RIVER

RIO DULCE

RIO ESCONDIDO

RIO GRANDE DE MATAGALPA

CHOLUTECA

WARUNTA

Lago Cocibolca

LISLIS

RIO HONDO

RIO WAWA

RIO BAYANORIO TERRABA

SICO, TINTO O NEGRO

RIO PAZ

RIO ULANG

PLATANO

NACAOME

RIO KURINWAS

CHAMALECON

RIO TUIRA

RIO CHUCUNAQUE

RIO KUKALAYA

RIO NEGRO

LAGO GATUN

GOASCORAN

RIO TEMPISQUE

RIO SIXAOLA

CRUTA

RIO ESTERO REAL

RIO GRANDE

RIO SANTA MARIA

RIO CHANGUINOLA

RIO SARSTUN

RIO TUCUTI

RIO MARIA LINDA

RIO PUNTA GORDA

RIO SAN PABLO

RIO BEBEDERO

RIO CHIRIQUI

RIO SAMBU

RIO SAMALA

RIO LOS ESCLAVOS

RIO NAHUALATE

JIBOA

RIO FONSECA

RIO COYOLATE

CANGREJAL

RIO PARRITA

PENINSULA DE OSA

RIO NARANJO

RIOS PENINSULA NICOYA Y COSTA NORTE

RIO CRICAMOLA Y OTROS

RIO LA VILLA

RIO ACHIGUATE

Lago Xolotlán

RIO COCLE DEL NORTE

ENTRE V. COSIGUINA Y RIO TAMARINDO

RIO ESQUINAS Y OTROS

RIO SUCHIATE

ENTRE RIO TAMARINDO Y RIO BRITO

RIO ACOME

RIO SIS-ICAN

RIOS ENTRE MANDINGA Y A

RIOS ENTRE EL TONOSI Y EL VILLA

RIO SAN PEDRO

RIO TONOSI

ENTRE RIO KURINWAS Y RIO ESCONDIDO

RIOS ENTRE EL SAN PERDRO Y EL TONOSI

FRESHWATER CREEK (1)

ENTRE RIO PUNTA GORDA Y RIO SAN JUAN

RIO INDIO

RIO PARITA

RIOS ENTRE SANTA BARBARA Y C

RIO TORTUGUERO Y OTROS

RIOS ENTRE CHANGUINOLA Y CRICAMOLA

RIO MADRE VIEJA

RIO SAVEGRE

ENTRE R. ESCONDIDO Y R. PUNTA GORDA

RIOS ENTRE ANTON Y CAIMITO

RIO BELEN Y OTROS

RIO PASO HONDO

RIOS ENTRE EL SAMBU Y EL JURADO

RIO CAIMITO

NORTHERN RIVER

RIO TEMASH

RIO TUSUBRES Y OTROS

RIOS ENTRE EL TABASARA Y EL SAN PABLO

RIOS ENTRE CHAGRES Y MANDINGA

RIOS ENTRE BAYANO Y SANTA BARBARA

RIO BARU Y OTROS

LAGO DE ATITLAN

LAGUNA YAXJA

RIO PACORA

RIO COTO Y OTROS

RIO CALOBEVORA

RIO BRITO

RIOS ENTRE EL TUCUTI Y EL S

RIO MANDINGA

RIO COATAN

RIO VERAGUAS

RIO DAMAS Y OTROS

LAGO BAYANO

RIO JESUS MARIA

RIO TAMARINDO

RIO ANTON

RIO JUAN DIAZ Y OTROS

ENTRE RIO BRITO Y RIO SALINAS

ISLAS GOLFO DE PANAMA

BARACOUTA

LAGO DE COATEPEQUE

ISLAS GOLFO DE FONSECA

VOLCAN DE SAN SALVADOR

GRANDE DE SAN MIGUEL

MONKEY RIVER

NEW RIVER

RIO REVENTAZON-PARISMINA

RIO MATINA

Hydrographical Watersheds of Central America

► Rich network of rivers divided by mountain range.

► 237 watersheds.

► 30% of surface water flow to Pacific.

► Rivers of greatest longitude flow into Caribbean coastal area. More numerous small rivers with higher flow rates drain into Pacific coast.

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.

36% of watersheds are transnational.

Source:www.ccad.wsElaborated by Yelba Flores

Drainage Watershed Country Area km2

Atlantic Río Usumacinta México-Guatemala-Belice 51190.36Atlantic Río San Juan Nicaragua-Costa Rica 42051.61Atlantic Río Patuca Honduras 24593.87Atlantic Río Coco Honduras-Nicaragua 24345.16Atlantic Río Ulúa Honduras 21396.03Atlantic Río Motagua Guatemala-Honduras 18056.57Atlantic Río Grande de Matagalpa Nicaragua 17959.96Pacific Río Lempa El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras 17882.98Pacific Río Ocosito Guatemala 12944.45Atlantic Río Escondido Nicaragua 11517.81Atlantic Río Belize Belize 10529.36Atlantic Río Agua Honduras 10311.35Atlantic Río Dulce Guatemala 8016.75Atlantic Río Sico, Tinto o Negro Honduras 7714.84Atlantic Río Choluteca Honduras 7430.68Atlantic Río Warunta Honduras 6012.10Atlantic Río Hondo Belize 5948.15Atlantic Río Wawa Nicaragua 5501.60Pacific Río Chucunaque Panama 5043.52

19 Largest Hydrogeographical Watersheds of Central America

Elaborated by Yelba Flores

Drainage Area Countries # Watersheds

Pacific

Costa Rica 15

El Salvador 58

El Salvador - Honduras - Guatemala 1

Guatemala 12

Guatemala - El Salvador 1

Guatemala - México 2

Honduras 3

Honduras - El Salvador 1

Honduras - Nicaragua 1

Nicaragua 5

Nicaragua - Costa Rica 1

Panama 37

TOTAL 137

Atlantic

Belize 30

Costa Rica 9

Costa Rica - Panama 2

Guatemala 1

Guatemala - Belize 3

Guatemala - Honduras 1

Honduras 10

Honduras - Nicaragua 1

México - Guatemala - Belize 1

Nicaragua 11

Nicaragua - Costa Rica 3

Panama 15

TOTAL 87

Endorheic

El Salvador 10

Guatemala 2

Watersheds in SpecificCountries and Transboundary

Related to Pacificand Atlantic Drainage Areas

Watersheds in Central America

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).

Northern Lagoon

Shipstern Lagoon

Placentia Lagoon

Northern River LAgoonLaguna de Cayo Frances

Sapodilla Lagoon

Saouthern Lagoon

Quashie Trap Lagoon

Mucklehany

Lago de Izabal

Lago de Atitlan

Lago Peten Itza

Embalse Cerrón Grande

Lago de Ilopango

Lago de Guija

Lago de Amatitlan

Yojóa

Lago Xolotlán

Lago Cocibolca

Embalse Arenal

Embalse de Cachi

Laguna Corral de Piedra

Lago Gatún Lago Bayano

Laguna de Caratasca

Laguna de Brus

Lakes and Coastal Lagunes in Central America

3 largest Lakes:

The Great Lakes of Nicaragua Lago Cocibolca - 3000 km2

Lago Xolotlán - 1016 km2

in Nicaraguan Graben

Lago Gatún – 425 km2

Artificial lake, constructed in 1907 as part of Panama Canal

Source:www.ccad.wsElaborated by Yelba Flores

Lago Xolotlán

Lago Cocibolca

Lago Cocibolca -largest Lake of Central America and largest tropical lake of the Americas.

Watershed Area 23 844 km2

Binational Watershed 83% Nicaragua 17% Costa Rica

Lago Cocibolca in Nicaragua – Largest Lake of Central America

Largest Tropical Lake in the Americas

Water Volume ~ 104,000hm3

Max. Depth 40m

Average Depth 13m

Altitude 31.32m asl

Length at longest axis 160 kmLength at minor axis 70 km

11o01’29” – 12o07’09” N85o55’21’ – 84o46’07” W

Anual Precipitación in tropical sabana sector 1000-2000 mmin southwestern sector > 2500

Lago Xolotlán-Second Largest Lake ofCentral America

Latitude 12o30’NLongitude 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 Dam10km from mouth in Caribbean Sea.

Acts as reservoir of water for operation of canal locks.

Elevation 26m asl.

Volume 5.2 km3.

Latitude 9º11’60NLongitude 79o55’0W

Inspite of this favorable situation forWater 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

Lack of technical training, deficient governing capacityand weak financial resources limit access even though

supply is available.

Peter Rogers, Scientific American, august 2008

Reference: International Water Management Institute, 2007)

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.

%

%

%

%

%

%

Panamá

Managua

San José

Guatemala Tegucigalpa

San Salvador

SIMBOLOGIAArbustales de coníferasArbustales de latifoliadasArbustales mixtosAreas con escasa vegetaciónArrecifes coralinosBosques decíduos de latifoliadasBosques manglaresBosques semidecíduos de latifoliadasBosques semidecíduos mixtosBosques siempreverdes de coníferasBosques siempreverdes y semisiempreverdes de latifoliadasBosques siempreverdes y semisiempreverdes mixtosCuerpos de aguaOtrosPantanos y humedalesPáramosPlantaciones forestalesSabanasSin datosSistemas agropecuariosSistemas productivos acuáticos (camaroneras, salineras)Urbano

Ecosystems

Source: World Bank: Agricultural Land Use; Selected Countries, 2001

Dominance of Agriculture in Central America

Source:www.ccad.wsElaborated by Yelba Flores

Deforestation in Central AmericaForest Coverage 1950, 1970 and 1985

1950 1970

1985Central America has 70% of the landwith vocation for forest. In 1995, 38%had vegetation cover with a yearly rate of deforestation of 388,000 ha. Causes increase in sedimentation tosurface 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

Sanitation(%)Improved

2006

Country Urban Rural Urban RuralBelice 100 -- 94 28

Guatemala 99 94 90 79

El Salvador 94 68 90 80

Honduras 95 74 78 55Statistics from Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation, Special Focus on Sanitation, UNICEF and WHO, 2008

Relation between drinking water and sewage system coverage and infant

mortality.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Mortalidad Infantil 7 8 10 14 14 20 23 24 25 26 34 42 43 44 44 47 48 52 55 86

Acceso Agua 100 100 91 91 100 89 79 65 84 75 83 73 77 55 53 69 67 62 66 39

Acceso Saneamiento 100 100 94 90 94 94 69 84 93 83 72 90 70 58 68 85 79 76 74 26

CAN EUA CUB CHI COR URU VEN ARG PAN COL MEX DOR HON ECU ELS BRA Guat

NIC PER HAI

Cortesía del Dr. Otterstetter

Source: SICA,Marco Regional de Adaptación al Cambio Climatico para Centro America

Potential Areas of Flooding for Altitudes near Sea Level

Climate change effects intensity and frequencyof tropical storms in Central America

► 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 disasters-flooding 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

% TotalArea

Tacotal y Pasto sin Maleza 3947 33,81 75.14%PastureGrazingLand

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

Deforestation in the Watershed of Lago Cocibolca which accelerates lake Eutrophication

Signs of Progressing Eutroficationof Lago Cocibolca

Massive Fish KillsSeptember, 2004 Isla de Ometepe

Tensores Ambientales sobre el Lago CocibolcaTensores Ambientales sobre el Lago Cocibolca

Centro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos de Nicaragua (CIRA/UNAN)

Escala 1:750 000N

Erosión

Fertilizantes

Agroquímicos

Impacto del Turismosin Infraestructura

Agua Contaminada Lago Xolotlán

Aguas Negras, Basura,Efluentes Industriales

Isla Zapatera

Isla de Ometepe

Alta Carga de Sedimentos

Escorrentía de Plaguicidas

Desechos Sólidos y Aguas NegrasDesechos Agroindustriales

de Jaulas Flotantes(Cultivo de Tilapia)

Cortesía T. Salvatierra

550000

550000

600000

600000

1350

000 1350000

1400

000 1400000

1450

000 1450000

Uso del SueloAfloramientos rocososAguaArea humanizadaArea volcanicaBosque de pino abiertoBosque de pino cerradoBosque latifoliado abiertoBosque latifoliado cerradoBosque mixtoCafe con sombraCafe sin sombraCentros pobladosCultivos anualesCultivos anuales bajo riegoHuertosMaleza y pasto con arbolesManglaresPasto manejadoPlantaciones forestales (pinares)Suelo sin vegetaciónTacotal y pasto con malezaTierra sujeta a inundaciónVegetacion arbustivaPlantaciones forestales

Sta. Rosa del Peñón

San Fco. Libre

El Jicaral

550000

550000

600000

600000

1350

000 1350000

1400

000 1400000

1450

000 1450000

El Jicaral

San Fco. Libre

Sta. Rosa del Peñón

Potencial del Suelo PECUARIAAGRICOLAS

AREAS PROTEGIDASFORESTALES

Comparison between Potential Land Use and Actual Land Usein Watershed of Lago Xolotlán

Mapas elaborated by Yelba Flores

Amplification of the Panama Canal

Conflict economic growth and ecosystemImpacts

Deforestation for Construction.Salinization of Lago Gatun and

Lago Miraflores.

Results have beenEffects 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 indisperse institutions.

► Only in Nicaragua, national water law established andinstallation of water authority in 2010.

► Regional CA Action Plan for Integrated WaterResources 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 WatersLEY GENERAL DE AGUAS NACIONALES

Capítulo IIDe la Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA)

Arto. 24 Se crea la Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA) que seráel 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 waterresources 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 increaseknowledge 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.

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.

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 delBasurero la Joya en Granada.

Perfil de ingreso

El programa está dirigido a profesionales con grado académico de Ingeniería o Licenciatura en Biología, Química, Ecología, Geología, Física, Geografía y/o en campos afines.

Características del Programa•Programa de 70 créditos (40 corresponden a cursos y 30 al trabajo de tesis) organizado en 6 Módulos.•Duración de 2 años.•Dedicación a tiempo completo.•Proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje con alto contenido práctico (campo y laboratorio).

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.

Plan de EstudiosCursos 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 -Aguas Subterráneas - Prácticas de campo en -Hidrogeología - Geofísica Aplicada a los - Recursos Hídricos- Hidrología Isotópica- Sistemas de Información -Geográfica

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de NicaraguaCentro para la Investigación en Recursos Acuáticos

Maestría Regional Centroamericana Ciencias del Agua

con Énfasis en Calidad de AguaAcreditada por el Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA)

Plan de Estudio

ASIGNATURAS CREDITSFirst 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

Central American Masters Programme in Science of WaterNicaraguan Research Center for Aquatic Resources

of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua

(CIRA/UNAN).

Emphasis in Water Quality and Watershed Management

Program of Semester Courses

Initiatives to LinkWater Research andWater 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

Main Result: Depth of GW quality impacts by the use of POP´s (organochlorine pesticides) in cotton culture, was determined in the aquifer of León-Chinandega.

Application: Depth at which shallow (dug) and deep (drilled) wells should be installed in the region for groundwater supply.

1200

1100LEGEND

1000Piezometer Nest and code character

900

Infiltration average isotopic recharge value lines

800

700 Average isotopic recharge value lines

600 Water Level

500High Intensity Agriculture Anthropogenic Impact zone

400Anthropogenic Impact Mixed Zone

300

200

100

0

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 km

Depth of Anthropogenic Water Quality Impacts

Topographic Topographic Sheet SheetVILLA 15 JULIO TELICA

Horizontal Scale 1:50000Vertical Scale 1:3,333

Topographic Topographic Sheet SheetTELICA CHINANDEGA

SWNE

m.a.s.l.

CasitaVolcano

UrbanizaciónRolandoRodríguez

CALLE REAL DEL BOSQUE

Posoltega EL TRIANON EL

POLVONDoñaPaulaEstuary

Pacific Ocean

EDCBA

EDCBA

EDCBAEDCBA

aR. S n

ugA

s t in

LEGEND

CityMain roadStudy area limitContour lines (m.a.s.l.)

A A’ Geological cross-sectionPiezometer installations

50

100

200

50m

100m

200m.a.s.l.

T(M)

Scale -Kilometers

R.Sa

sam

a

R.A t

o ya

R. A c meo

Chinandega

Posoltega

León

R. P o s o t ge

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l

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PACIFIC OCEAN

CORDILLERA DE LOS MARIBIOS

Casita Volcano

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aR. S n

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R. S n

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R. S n

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LEGEND

CityMain roadStudy area limitContour lines (m.a.s.l.)

A A’ Geological cross-sectionPiezometer installations

50

100

200

50m

100m

200m.a.s.l.

T(M)

Scale -Kilometers

R.Sa

sam

aR.

Sasa

ma

R.A t

o ya

R.A t

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R. A c meo

Chinandega

Posoltega

León

R. P o s o t ge

a

l

R. P o s o t g

R. P o s o t

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a

l e

a

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A

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PACIFIC OCEAN

CORDILLERA DE LOS MARIBIOS

Casita Volcano

N

0 18

Main Conclusion: Two GW impacted zones: 1) high intensity agriculture anthropogenic impact zone (12 meters depth below GW table), and 2) anthropogenic mixed impact zone (~10 m depth below the first zone).

Valeria Delgado Quezada

Thesis Research:Valeria Delgado

-120

-60

0

60

120

180

240

300

360

29-feb 30-abr 30-jun 30-ago 30-oct 30-dic 01-mar 01-may

Riv

er d

isch

arge

x 1

000

(m3/

day)

GW extraction from 1970-1971GW extraction from 2004-2005Additional gw development

A regional-scale groundwater flow model for the Leon-Chinandega Aquifer, Nicaragua

• 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 andPlanning in watersheds

Thesis Research: Heyddy Calderón

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, amethod was developed which combined geological evaluations of thesite, geophysical characterization and analysis of samplestaken from perforation wells for content on BTEX.

Main Application: A guide for the regulation and pre-evaluation of sites forstorage tanks at gasolinestations.

Thesis Research: Maria Elena López

Objetive of the Plan

To contribute to the improvemento of living conditions of the population and the ecological restaration of the sub-

watershed through land-use planning in accordance with the social and economic development of the population

MASTERS THESIS IN SCIENCE OF WATERMASTERS THESIS IN SCIENCE OF WATERManagement Plan and Integral Development of the Management Plan and Integral Development of the

Subwatershed of Las Playitas, Moyua and Tecomapa in Subwatershed of Las Playitas, Moyua and Tecomapa in the Municipality of the City of Dariothe Municipality of the City of Dario

Thesis Research: Thelma Salvatierra

MANAGEMENT PLAN 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.

Sub-Program for rehabilatation and development of biodiversity.

LAND-USE PLAN(Optimal Use of Land

and Resources)

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

• 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.

http://capsnicaragua.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your attention for Water Management in

Central America