Using water rights to identify groundwater density areas in the Sonora River basin

Abstract

Justification: Although there is general information on the aquifers water balance, it is relevant to have methods to specify which are the most overexploited areas and for which kind of water use. Objective: This study identifies the areas with the highest density of groundwater use in the aquifers of the Sonora River basin. Methodology: The analysis is based on georeferencing 5,342 groundwater right titles, which are converted into areas using the Kernel density method. Results: Seven areas of high-medium density and 10 of medium density are identified. The volume of water and its main uses are estimated for each area. Limitations: Data time period correspond to June 2014. Value: The data time period may be an advantage for subsequent studies, since it provides information on the baseline state prior to the August 2014 mining spill. Conclusions: The method employed allows the identification of water stress areas and might help prevent the overexploitation of aquifers with high level of extraction.

Keywords

• Kernel density
• aquifer overexploitation
• groundwater
• water rights
• water pressure
• Sonora river