Estudio del as Aguas Subterráneas de la Ciudad de Riobamba y sus Zonas de Influencia: Línea Base

Abstract

A study of groundwater in the city of Riobamba and its areas of influence: baseline, was conducted to establish the type of aquifers, where they are located, their chemical characteristics, how many and what type they are. This research is necessary because the city of Riobamba depends exclusively on these sources. The work methodology consisted of field and laboratory analyses to establish the location of each source and the chemical composition of the waters. To determine the age and recharge zone of the aquifers, the hydrogeology of the Chimborazo volcano was studied through previous research. With the support of the Université Montpellier II of France, the determination of Deuterium and Carbon 14 was carried out. A total of 37 wells were found, 23 operational and 15 non-operational, 27 springs, 5 used for domestic consumption and the rest for irrigation and 8 lagoons for ecological use. The geological formations of the Chimborazo volcano that allow the formation of aquifers are between 3500-4000m and 3200-3500 m altitude are: Cisaran formation, Chimborazo Rocks I and II, Debris avalanche deposit, Glaciations and Moraines. It is concluded from the composition that there are 3 types of aquifers, their waters are fossil and are not recharged. It is recommended to improve knowledge of the geology, geometry and hydrodynamics of the aquifers, study other potential resources and limit water losses.