Dynamics of the Water Table in the Rio Chiquito Sub-basin, Honduras

Abstract

This research, led by the IHCIT in collaboration with the ADAPTARC project of SERNA/UNDP, forms a crucial part of the author's doctoral and master's thesis. Focusing on the Rio Chiquito sub-basin in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, it aims to offer a preliminary insight into the dynamics of the isophreatic curves as a technical tool for decision-makers. Despite its relatively small size, this sub-basin features a dramatic elevation change, ranging from 950 - 2200 meters above sea level over a 21km river length and with 30% urbanization. The study involved meticulous information management of over 100 wells, primarily used for human consumption, highlighting the community's dependence on groundwater. Given the intermittent and insufficient municipal water supply, this was especially critical, emphasizing groundwater's role in meeting basic needs and public health. The findings reveal underground water levels varying between 5 to 20 meters on average, with peaks up to 60 meters in the subbasin's lower western area. This underground flow aligns with the sub-basin geomorphology and surface dynamics, showing a gradient from 950 to 1200 meters in the middle-lower part, ascending to 2200 meters in the middle-upper region. Keywords: water table, aquifer, groundwater, sub-basin,