Abstract
The Hueco Bolson aquifer is a binational aquifer shared by the United States of America (USA) and Mexico that is strongly interconnected with the transboundary river, Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. Limited recharge, increasing urbanization, and intensified agriculture have resulted in the over-drafting of groundwater resources and stressed the aquifer, threatening its sustainability if mitigation actions are not taken soon. Research indicates that the aquifer’s hydraulic gradients and flow directions have changed due to the high groundwater withdrawal rates from the two major cities—El Paso (USA) and Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the Hueco Bolson aquifer modeling history and makes a case for future modeling and binational engagement efforts. First, we discuss the evolution of groundwater modeling for Hueco Bolson from the past to recent times. Second, we discuss the main water management issues in the area, including water quality and quantity, stakeholders’ participation, and climate change. To address the challenges of holistic water management, we propose developing a graphical quantitative modeling framework (e.g., system model and Bayesian belief network) to include experts’ opinions and enhance stakeholders’ participation in the model. Though the insights are based on a case study of Hueco Bolson, the approaches discussed in this study can provide new strategies to overcome the challenges of managing a transboundary aquifer.
Highlights
Introduction and History of Modeling EffortsAn aquifer is considered transboundary if it is part of a “system of surface water and groundwater situated in more than one nation” [1]
This applies when (i) an internal groundwater body is hydraulically connected to a transboundary river and (ii) a domestic river is interlinked to a transboundary aquifer [2]
Based on the carbon dating of the groundwater samples, Anderholm and Heywood [38] found that groundwater is 12,000 years old near the New Mexico/Texas state line
Summary
An aquifer is considered transboundary if it is part of a “system of surface water and groundwater situated in more than one nation” [1]. The Hueco Bolson lies within the state-triangle of New Mexico (USA), Texas (USA), and Chihuahua (Mexico) and is recognized as a transboundary aquifer by the USA and Mexico [3,4] It has been declared a priority aquifer under the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) [5] of the USA and Mexico, highlighting the importance of Hueco Bolson for the transboundary Paso del Norte Region with its sister cities of El Paso (Texas) and Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua). Mainly carried out by the EPW, include reducing per capita water use [21] and artificial aquifer recharge [18] to reduce freshwater pumping and slow down brackish water intrusion. Several projects (Table 1) have been carried out and contributed to a better understanding of the current situation of the Hueco Bolson
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