Chihuahua-Sacramento and Tabalaopa-Aldama aquifers of Chihuahua state, Mexico: linkage and importance of geostatistical and hydrogeochemical analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study is to gather sufficient information to make a diagnosis of drinking water sufficiency in the Chihuahua-Sacramento and Tabalaopa-Aldama aquifers. By applying advanced statistical techniques, the goal is to find the variables that control the regional and intermediate flow systems and establish the characteristics of a heterogeneous aquifer. The variables chosen from those established were as follows: total solids (TS), nitrates (NO3), fluoride (F), and total hardness, among others. In order to establish a conceptual model, the results from all the sampling were carried out by the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) in the aforementioned aquifers and were used to obtain an approximate flow differentiation. The results showed a good flow differentiation. In addition, a group of mixed water was detected among the intermediate and regional flows. The increase in the average regional flow values suggests a rise in the incidence of an upward flow of the regional flow as a result of uncontrolled extraction.