As part of an Environmental and Natural Resources Assessment for future land development on Kalu Yala property in Tres Brazos, I am trying to create a plan to approach Hydrologic Analysis. Since no in-depth research has been recently carried out in our area of interest, I believe we should start from the very beginning, figuring out what we are actually dealing with in terms of water and how can we combine its availability with proper usage. I would like to emphasize that the following plan is currently under development and would be grateful for any outside input. Any suggestions on how to improve the plan, or possible activities that could aid in accomplishing the targets outlined below are more than welcome! The purpose of this assessment is not only to gain professional knowledge, but also to develop self-awareness and learn about basic human-nature interactions.
1. Fresh water availability. Water system analysis
1.1 Surface water
- Quality : physical, biological, chemical
- Quantity: monthly discharge , temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation
- Mapping: GPS coordinates
1.2 Groundwater
2. Water demand
2.1 Quantity: activities within the development( bathing, cooking, drinking, etc), population size,gauges used in the system
2.2 Quality: requirements by type of usage: activities within the development
3. Water supply
3.1 Local water management practices
- supply systems, taps, sewage, drainage, rain water harvesting, waste water
- San Miguel: Miriam
- Tress Brazos: Marcelino, Ramon
3.2 Kalu Kala water supply patterns
3.3 Treatment
3.4 Impact of water withdrawal on ecosystem
4. Waste water
4.1 Quantity
4.2 Quality
4.3 Management: discharge patterns, sewage system
4.4 WW Treatment: facility design
5.Flood hazard analysis
5.1 Land use and topographical analysis: mapping
5.2 River morphology analysis: water levels, sediment flow, flow rates
5.3 Seasonal weather patterns: precipitation: storm design
5.4 Flood risk and vulnerability assessment
6.Infrastructure development
6.1 Rainfall and runoff : volume and spatial distribution, runoff calculations
6.2 Stormwater management facility design: storage capacity
7. Aquaculture
The work so far has been focused on physical, biological and chemical water quality. We are seeking collaboration with Panamanian national regulators on water quality such as ANAM (Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente) and technical laboratories such as INCASAT AIP(Institute of Scientific Research and High Technilogy Services-p). For more specific details check following blogs.