Indicators of use and groundwater exploitation in Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Abstract

groundwater resource exploitation by human occupation and also modulate performance in terms of supply in relation to the needs of the population. Likewise, under these premises, it is possible to present it as part of a water resource management model based on the existing pressures in terms of population needs and economic activities, considering the availability provided by existing formal concessions. The main result was the determination of a characterization of the intensity and density of the main variables related to groundwater use accounting, and the generation of threats to existing sources, as well as a quantification of local hydrogeological potential and deficit.

This research aims to develop a diagnostic analysis of hydrogeological resource utilization indicators for the canton of Palmares, Alajuela, Costa Rica, in order to determine its groundwater supply deficit and the potential threats it poses to land use. The study is conducted within the context of sustained urban growth and a predominantly agricultural land use, which is historically prevalent in the canton and puts pressure on available water resources. The methodology incorporates secondary data from official sources, combined with geospatial analysis tools, to construct a series of indicators that reflect the use, distribution, and availability of groundwater within the canton. Based on the results obtained, the intensity and density of the main variables related to groundwater use accounting are characterized, and indicators of threats to existing sources are identified, along with a quantification of local hydrogeological potential and deficit.

Keywords: Hydrogeological indicators, water supply, water demand, wells, springs, GIS.