WATER CHARGING AREAS IN THE GÜERA RIVER SUB-BASIN

Abstract

The study was carried out in the middle part of the Tonosí river basin (N° 124), particularly the Güera river sub-basin: 7º36'03" north latitude, 80º33'05" west longitude. The objective of the study was to identify, characterize and delimit water sources with potential for water recharge zones. Variables such as: Slope, type of soil, rock type, vegetation cover and land use where evaluated.  Percentage values were assigned ​​to each variable according to their level of importance. As a result, 10 prioritized sources were characterized considering whether they are owned or private property, and that they have the three strata of agricultural production systems and extensive livestock, among other characteristics of the area under study. The water sources with the greatest potential as water recharge zones were zone one, with very high (4,33) and zones five, seven, nine and 10, resulting with 3,99; 3,58; 3,86 and 3,36, respectively; with high possibility of recharging or the most conducive for the recharging process to occur; followed by zones four, six and eight, with 2,96; 3,13 and 3,36, respectively, as a moderate possibility of recharging. Finally, zones two and three, with 2,09 and 2,44, respectively, resulting in a low possibility of recharging, and which require greater attention with immediate actions for the comprehensive management of the zones.