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Planning Urban Growth in Ground Water Recharge Areas: Central Valley, Costa Rica
Author(s) -
RodriguezEstrada Hugo,
Loaiciga Hugo A.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
groundwater monitoring and remediation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1745-6592
pISSN - 1069-3629
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6592.1995.tb00547.x
Subject(s) - groundwater recharge , hectare , environmental science , groundwater , sanitation , aquifer , sewage , effluent , hydrology (agriculture) , water resource management , agriculture , population , environmental engineering , water balance , geography , engineering , geotechnical engineering , demography , archaeology , sociology
Nitrate levels in the ground water of the Central Valley of Costa Rica have increased in relation to the past. Previous studies determined that the unseweved sanitation systems in the recharge areas are the main source of nitrogen. Calculations are made in this study to estimate the maximum population density allowable without improved sewage systems in order to keep the nitrogen levels in ground water below the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results were achieved employing a mass balance that involved the concentration and rate of domestic effluents and the flow rate in the aquifer, as well as an estimation of the effects caused by the agricultural activity. It was concluded that, in general terms, the population density must not exceed 45 inhabitants per hectare. Otherwise, sewage systems and treatment plants are necessary. These conclusions provide a basis for urban growth planning, which will protect ground water quality. The method used in this case should apply to similar situations.