Karst aquifers and water resource contamination in Haiti

Abstract

Shallow alluvial and karst aquifers and widespread inadequate sanitation practices combine to impact water resources in Haiti. The vulnerability of aquifers is complicated by complex cultural, ecological, geological, hydrological, and hydrogeological considerations. Roughly 84% of the rocks exposed in Haiti consist of calcareous rocks and alluvium. These lithologies serve as an efficient reservoir and transport mechanism for water-borne pathogens, which negatively impact the health of many Haitians. Data from 9,837 water points indicate that 75% of the water sources in the Centre, 55% in the Nord (North), and 12% in the Ouest (West) departments are considered unsafe or high risk based on World Health Organization standards. Inadequate sanitation and, in some cases, improper siting and installation of pit latrines contribute to poor water quality. Numerous safe-water intervention technologies exist and are effective at removing pathogens that contaminate water sources; however, many Haitians lack the means to obtain these solutions. Future regional precipitation and climate trends will have important implications for selecting appropriate water sources and safe-water interventions. Additional efforts to collect and compile regional water quality data are needed to better understand country-wide contamination trends and patterns.

Topical Collection: Advancements in hydrogeological knowledge of Haiti for recovery and development

“…Miner et al (2022a) focus further on a subsection of this coastal aquifer in the area of Cap-Haitien by applying gravity and electromagnetic geophysical methods to assess alluvial thickness and evaluate the potential for deep groundwater to augment growing demand within the region. Wampler (2022) explains the spatial distribution of karst aquifers and their vulnerability to contamination. He provides a snapshot of water quality data to assess karst aquifer contamination in several areas of the country and presents relevant water treatment technologies to enable safe drinking water in vulnerable areas.…”

A Current Review of Water Pollutants in American Continent: Trends and Perspectives in Detection, Health Risks, and Treatment Technologies

“…For example, water sanitation deficiency is one of the leading causes of mortality in several countries. Due to unsafe water and a lack of sanitation, there are several diseases present in the population [2][3][4]. Therefore, the sixth global objective of the United Nations, foreseen as part of its sustainable development agent 2030, aims to guarantee the availability and sustainable management of water resources.…”