Caribbean Water Science Center Science Plan 1999

Surface-Water Ground-Water Interactions

Flood control projects, specifically channelization, have altered the surface-water ground-water relationships in many areas of Puerto Rico.  The documented changes have varied from degradation of water-quality to complete disruption of the surface-water ground-water interaction as a result of the diversion of rivers from natural to artificial channels.  The Caribbean District has conducted synoptic ground-water studies in many areas where the rivers have subsequently been channelized.  There is a need to assess the effects of channelization on ground-water resources in these areas.

Ground-water withdrawals have detrimentally affected many wetland areas in Puerto Rico, such as the Laguna Tortuguero, the largest freshwater lagoon in Puerto Rico.  The Caribbean District is conducting a limnological study of this lagoon, whose primary freshwater source is ground water.

The demand for water resources for public supply in the interior of Puerto Rico has led to a rapid rise in the number of water wells constructed in the area.  The long-term impact of this trend on low-flow discharges of streams is unknown.

Information Needs and Deficiencies

1. There is a need to assess the effects of channelization on ground-water resources in many areas in Puerto Rico.
   
   
2. The effects of ground-water withdrawals on wetlands in Puerto Rico are undocumented.
   
   
3. The effects of the recent rapid rise in the number of water wells constructed in the interior of Puerto Rico on the low-flow discharges of streams is unknown.

Program Opportunities

1. Conduct studies to determine the effects of channelization on ground-water resources in Puerto Rico. Particular attention will be paid to areas where ground-water studies were conducted prior to channelization.
   
   
2. Continue to study the effects of ground-water withdrawals on the wetlands of Puerto Rico.
   
   
3. Conduct a study to determine the effects of increased ground-water withdrawals in the interior upland of Puerto Rico on the low-flow discharges of streams.

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