Salt‐Water Intrusion in the Costa de Hermosillo, Mexico: A Numerical Analysis of Water Management Proposals

Abstract

ABSTRACT As a result of anthropogenic discharges of ground water far exceeding natural recharge, the Costa de Hermosillo aquifer is being actively intruded by salt water. Because this aquifer is utilized as the sole source of irrigation water for one of Mexico's principal agricultural districts, the application of any future management scheme to control this intrusion must be closely evaluated prior to implementation. A hydrologic and water quality simulation model is applied to the Costa de Hermosillo aquifer to assess the areal and temporal variations in head, velocity, and concentration as a result of changes in the present discharge distribution. The known hydrologic conditions are reproduced as a means of calibrating the model. Only qualitative statements on the future behavior of the aquifer are possible due to the uncertainty of the magnitude of various aquifer parameters and initial conditions. The model employed in this study is found to be a useful technique for the analysis of the effects of the proposed pumping stresses.