GIS SUPPORTED HYDROGEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE TOLA MUNICIPIO, NICARAGUA

Regional scale groundwater planning and analysis has become a priority in many developing nations that are experiencing recent growth and economic development. Many water-centric efforts in such nations have historically focused on basic water access and are not prepared to address the water demands and water security to support sustainable economic growth. The Tola municipio of Nicaragua is a unique region along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast with humanitarian water supply issues and is also experiencing economic growth due to a surging tourism industry and the proposed Nicaragua canal. Tola’s groundwater resources are particularly vulnerable due to the expected increases in water demand and the climate change impacts that suggest rising sea level and decreased precipitation.

Within this context, field reconnaissance, mapping and GIS analysis were performed to characterize the hydrogeological environments and groundwater quality of Tola at a regional scale. This data was integrated into a unique GIS model that assesses the degree of groundwater favorability throughout Tola within 80 meters depth. The model provides a qualitative estimation of favorability on the basis of the hydrogeological environment, water quality conditions, vulnerability and morphological aptitude of the landscape. The results provide a transitional planning-level tool to support groundwater development in Tola, the information can be applied to guide informed decision-making and reduce the risk of water scarcity and failed investments.