Expert rules out water shortages due to the dry season in Yucatan – The Yucatan Times
Expert rules out water shortages due to the dry season in Yucatan The Yucatan Times
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Water Levels in Mérida Above Average Sea Level
According to data from the company Odiser Empresarial, which controls water levels in Mérida, we are now 1.40 meters above average sea level, reported Juan Vázquez Montalvo, meteorologist at the Autonomous University of Yucatán and hydrometeorological consultant.
Understanding Water Pressure and Movement
The data represents the pressure of the aquifer, which is the height of the groundwater relative to the mean sea level. Groundwater moves from areas of higher pressure in the interior of the State to areas of lower pressure near the coast.
This value is calculated by subtracting the elevation of the land from sea level and then subtracting the height of the water body. This provides an indication of the amount of water present in the aquifer.
It is expected that these pressures are higher in the interior of the State and lower on the coast due to the movement of water from the interior towards the sea.
Currently, Mérida is experiencing water levels at 1.40 meters above mean sea level, which is higher than the usual levels of around 0.80 to 0.90 meters.
Sustainable Water Management in Yucatán
Despite the higher water levels, Yucatán has not faced any water problems so far. However, it is important to consider sustainable water management practices to ensure the availability of water resources in the future.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations provide a framework for addressing water-related challenges and promoting sustainable water management. Yucatán can align its efforts with the following SDGs:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring access to clean and safe water for all residents of Yucatán.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Implementing sustainable water management practices in urban areas, including Mérida.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources and implementing adaptation measures.
Implications for the Future
The expert predicts that this year’s rainy season will be greater than average, but it is unlikely to cause the aquifer to overflow. Overflow typically occurs during rainy cyclones, as seen in 2020.
However, Yucatán is currently entering the most intense phase of the drought. If rainfall does not occur, the water level will decrease, affecting the availability of water resources.
It is estimated that the water level may decrease up to one meter above average sea level by May. This decrease in water level highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure water availability during periods of drought.
Rainfall Patterns and Water Availability
The specialist emphasizes that the rainy season will come, and mathematical models indicate that it will be well above average. The eastern area, part of the northeast, and southeast of Yucatán receive the highest amount of rainfall, making them the richest areas in terms of water resources.
These areas, including Valladolid, Peto, Campeche, Chemax, and the south of Tizimín, receive an average of 1,200 to 1,300 millimeters of rainfall per year. The mathematical models predict even greater amounts of rainfall, exceeding the average by 200 to 300 millimeters.
By harnessing these rainfall patterns and implementing sustainable water management practices, Yucatán can ensure the availability of water resources for its residents and contribute to achieving the SDGs.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The article discusses the water levels in Mérida, indicating the height of the groundwater above mean sea level. This is directly related to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the potential impact of rainfall on the aquifer and the occurrence of rainy cyclones. This connects to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
The article highlights the water levels in Mérida and emphasizes that there is currently no water scarcity issue. However, it is important to monitor and manage water resources efficiently to prevent future water scarcity.
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
The article mentions the potential overflow of the aquifer due to rainy cyclones and the need to prepare for intense drought conditions. Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate-related hazards.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
The article provides information on the water levels in Mérida, indicating the height of the groundwater above mean sea level. This can be used as an indicator to measure the level of water stress and the sustainability of freshwater withdrawals.
Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the discussion of potential impacts from rainy cyclones and drought conditions relates to the need for resilience and adaptation to climate-related hazards. The indicator measures the number of people affected by disasters, which can be used to assess progress in strengthening resilience.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: theyucatantimes.com
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