Potential use of wastewater for irrigation and aquifer recharge water: La Villa River basin, Republic of Panamá

Abstract

Given the growing demand for water resources in Panama, wastewater can be a reliable option as a source of supply for various uses, especially in scarcity situations. The objective of this research was to evaluate the sustainability and viability of irrigation and artificial recharge techniques of aquifers in the lower part of the La Villa River basin, using treated wastewater coming from the Chitre PTAR, for its subsequent recovery by natural processes and use as an alternative water source. The methodology applied had its foundations in a multidisciplinary analysis through a biophysical and socioeconomic diagnosis. The possibility of implementing technological solutions like the direct reuse with irrigation purposes of water treated in wetlands and of superficial indirect recharge by infiltration of irrigation surpluses was evaluated. The results of the technical studies established the levels of removal of contaminants in wetlands post-treated water with the help of the substrate and selected vegetation. In addition, it was possible to carry out geologic and hydrogeologic studies, to generate an unprecedented model block of the spatial disposition of lithological layers and to estimate their volumes, therefore defining the aquifer zone capable of receiving by infiltration the recharge water, to store it and afterwards yielding it for good use.