WATER SUSTAINABILITY
Cuatrociénegas is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, where water sustains life and safeguards an irreplaceable biological and cultural heritage. Ensuring water sustainability is crucial to protecting this fragile ecosystem and advancing research that deepens our understanding of life’s history on Earth.
With over 400 pools, Cuatrociénegas harbors a wealth of endemic species uniquely adapted to its environment, including stromatolites—living relics of Earth’s earliest life. Safeguarding these ecosystems is vital to protecting their irreplaceable biodiversity.
The unique microorganisms and species of Cuatrociénegas are invaluable to scientific research, offering insights into evolution, adaptation to extreme environments, and biotechnological innovations. Their resilience serves as a model for developing strategies to address future environmental challenges.
The ecological balance of Cuatrociénegas relies on a continuous water flow. Disruptions like excessive extraction or pollution can severely impact the ecosystem. Its wetlands play a vital role in climate regulation and atmospheric carbon capture, making their preservation essential.
The pools and springs of Cuatrociénegas have sustained indigenous communities and shaped the region’s cultural identity for centuries. Preserving them is essential not only for safeguarding this heritage but also for maintaining their appeal as a unique destination and supporting tourism, a vital pillar of the local economy.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
In partnership with leading local companies, we are working to secure international funding for the construction of Cuatrociénegas’ first wastewater treatment plant. Currently, the municipality lacks the infrastructure for proper wastewater management, making this project a critical investment in protecting natural heritage, improving public health, fostering development, and ensuring a sustainable future for the region.
KEY BENEFITS
- Prevent water and soil pollution, safeguarding biodiversity and endemic microorganisms.
- Reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and eliminate unpleasant odors, enhancing overall quality of life.
- Boost tourism by ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and enabling the reuse of treated water.
INSTALLATION AND MONITORING OF METERS IN AGRO-INDUSTRIAL WELLS
In partnership with leading local companies, we are working to secure international funding for the construction of Cuatrociénegas’ first wastewater treatment plant. Currently, the municipality lacks the infrastructure for proper wastewater management, making this project a critical investment in protecting natural heritage, improving public health, fostering development, and ensuring a sustainable future for the region.
KEY BENEFITS
- Measure and track water extraction volumes to enhance the accuracy of aquifer deficit calculations, balancing extraction and recharge. This data provides decision-makers with precise insights, supporting the development of more effective public policies.
- Enable remote monitoring and control of water extraction to ensure agro-industrial producers comply with their permitted concessions.
- Minimize over-extraction from vital aquifers that sustain the pools and springs of Cuatrociénegas.
MODERNIZATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN EJIDO CUATROCIÉNEGAS
Currently, 600 liters per second are continuously extracted from Poza de la Becerra through a network of canals and pipes to irrigate agricultural plots in Ejido Cuatrociénegas using flood irrigation. While this water supply has sustained the community’s agricultural and livestock activities, it has also severely impacted key ecosystems, such as the Garabatal Wetland.
This ambitious project aims to modernize irrigation systems by implementing efficient drip irrigation, replacing the outdated and wasteful flood irrigation method.
KEY BENEFITS
- Advanced irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation, deliver water with precision and control, significantly reducing evaporation and runoff losses common in traditional flood and furrow irrigation. Additionally, they help prevent soil salinization, promoting healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.
- This technology enables precise adjustment of irrigation quantity and frequency based on each crop's specific needs and prevailing climatic conditions, optimizing water use and enhancing productivity.
- Reducing water use in agriculture will decrease extraction from Poza de la Becerra, helping restore the Garabatal wetland system and its rich biodiversity.