Historical analysis of a karst aquifer: recharge, water extraction, and consumption dynamics on a tourist island (Cozumel, Mexico)

Gerardo Hernández-Flores,Ana Elizabeth Marín-Celestino,Adrián Cervantes-Martínez,Martha Angélica Gutiérrez-Aguirre

doi:10.1051/limn/2021013

Abstract

On Cozumel Island, access to freshwater depends on the extraction of the resource from the aquifer located north of the island (catchment area). Water resource management on the island must be based on updated knowledge of the indicator dynamics related to the recharge of the aquifer, groundwater extraction and the distribution of the resource. In this study, trends, variations and time series of 30 years of monthly data for precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and estimated aquifer recharge were calculated for the catchment area. Additionally, groundwater extraction, water consumption for the main uses over a 13-year period (monthly data), and the 5-year status of wells were considered. The results show decreasing trends in precipitation and estimated recharge volumes in the catchment area, in addition to increasing trends in mean air temperature, evapotranspiration, water extraction volumes and consumption by the commercial sector for the considered time periods. Additionally, an increase in dejected (77%) and reposed (38%) wells within the catchment area was observed. Evidence from this study suggests a dynamic behaviour of the analysed indicators over time that increases pressure on karstic, Caribbean aquifers for which monthly monitoring and data analysis are encouraged as the basis for adequate management.

Highlights

Coastal aquifers (CAs) are a valuable source of freshwater for the coastal environment well-being of over 60% of the global population that is concentrated around the shoreline (Zepeda et al, 2018) and 11% that lives on islands (MendozaVizcaino et al, 2016)
Vulnerability is an intrinsic property of karstic island aquifers, which depends on characteristics of the area and the sensitivity of the system to human and natural impacts (Ducci and Sellerino, 2013; Kačaroglu, 1999; Medici et al, 2021), such as wastewater infiltration, hurricanes and saltwater
The objective of this study is to analyse the dynamics of indicators as precipitation, air temperature, evapotranspiration used in estimated aquifer recharge, water withdrawals and distribution in different time periods for Cozumel

Summary

Introduction

Coastal aquifers (CAs) are a valuable source of freshwater for the coastal environment well-being of over 60% of the global population that is concentrated around the shoreline (Zepeda et al, 2018) and 11% that lives on islands (MendozaVizcaino et al, 2016). Aquifers near coastal areas are susceptible and sometimes unable to cope with the adverse effects of overextraction (Jaleel et al, 2020; Zepeda et al, 2018), sea water intrusion (Deng et al, 2017), pollution (Hernández-Terrones et al, 2011; Kammoun et al, 2021), and climate change effects, such as rainfall pattern modification and sea level rise (Cashman, 2014; GWP, 2014; Hall et al, 2013; Pulido-Velazquez et al, 2018). Vulnerability is an intrinsic property of karstic island aquifers, which depends on characteristics of the area and the sensitivity of the system to human and natural impacts (Ducci and Sellerino, 2013; Kačaroglu, 1999; Medici et al, 2021), such as wastewater infiltration, hurricanes and saltwater

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