La visión de CONAGUA al 2030

Water Resources Research Center 2011
Annual Conference
Salinity and Desalination in Baja
California: Challenges and Solutions
Ing. Adriana Rodriguez
Subdirección General Técnica
Gerencia de Ingeniería y Normas Técnicas
Yuma, Arizona, April 26, 2001
International Treaty of 1944: Delivers to Mexico
Establishes that:
• “Of the Colorado River waters,
whatever their source, there
are assigned to Mexico a
guaranteed volume of 1850.2
Mm3 per year”.
• In cases of extraordinary
drought or serious accident to
the irrigation systems in the
USA, this volume is reduced in
the same proportion of
reductions in the U.S.
• When the water in the Colorado River is in excess of the needs of
supply / consumption in the U.S., they are obligated to deliver to
Mexico additional volumes of water from the Colorado River System
for up to a total volume not exceeding 2096.9 Mm3.
Quality of water delivered by USA to Mexico
Issue
• From the 1,850 Mm3 that USA deliver to Mexico, 172.7 Mm3
are delivered at Southern International Border (SIB) through
Sanchez Mejorada Canal, and this water has high salt content
Attention provided
• To ensure that water that Mexico receives at SIB can be used,
in 1997 a Binational Technical Group was formed.
• Within this group the options to improve the water quality at
SIB were discussed.
• In March 1999, USA proposed to Mexico options in short,
medium and long term to improve water quality at SIB
• From 1999 to 2000 surplus in the Colorado River Basin were
used and annual volumes up to 2,096.931 Mm3 were allocated
Attention Provided
• In 2002, USA installed devices for better regulation of the
water delivered to Mexico at SIB.
• The construction of the interconnecting canal to divert water
from Yuma’s agricultural drainage to Wellton-Mohawk
drainage during critical months (October to January), and
dilute the water from the drainage with water from wells to
maintain salinity levels of 1,200 ppm at SIB.
The project was conducted in three phases:
 Construction of a branching structure and Wellton
Mohawk diversion canal.
 Installation of variable speed pumps and electronic
systems.
 Automated Control Center to operate the entire system.
Current Status
• The three phases were finished in 2007.
• At a cost of 1.8 MDD the control center was concluded to
operate pumps and valves.
• In 2007, at a cost of 6MDD, the system of water
management in the area of Yuma, Az., was finished, among
other benefits allows the USBR automate some operations
of the system at SIB.
• In the critical months (October – January) the system
operates and the goal is to deliver water to Mexico with
1,200 ppm daily average.
• To achieve this, 8,000 acres-feet of water are used to dilute
the water and comply with salinity.
Next Steps
• Although the actions allow an average salinity of
1,200 ppm.
• Mexico remains its position before USA on the water
that should be receiving must have the adequate
quality all time to ensure its beneficial use.
• Both governments should continue exploring actions
to achieve a better quality of the water delivered to
Mexico from Colorado River.
• Formalize these actions and those necessary to
ensure that Mexico keeps receiving water to
beneficial use, through the signing of a joint report of
principal engineers from IBWC.
Background
The low rainfall in Tijuana, Rosarito
and Tecate, B.C., is a difficulty to
satisfy the increasing demands of
drinking water.
That is why the search of secure
sources and the water supply to cover
the basic needs of the population
have been a constant challenge.
Currently, local sources are used and
water is imported from Colorado River
through
Colorado
River-Tijuana
Aqueduct.
Water Sources
Tijuana/Rosarito
Tecate
Mexicali
Presa Derivadora
José M. Morelos
San Luis
Río Colorado
Acueducto
Río Colorado - Tijuana
Canal Alimentador
del Acueducto
Mesa Arenosa
( 63 Pozos )
Ensenada
Water Problems in Baja California
• Overexploitation of aquifers leading to a notable decrease in
the amount of available water, saline intrusion, desertification
and deterioration of aquatic systems.
• Contamination of groundwater by discharges mainly urban,
industrial, agricultural and mining that cause poor water
quality, eutrophication and deterioration of aquatic systems
• Changing land use for agriculture, forestry and urban and
industrial growth, through activities that change the
environment such as deforestation, basins alteration,
modification of natural vegetation, soil loss, engineering,
pollution and fires.
• Introduction of exotic species to water bodies and the
subsequent displacement of native species and decreasing
biodiversity
Source: Programa Hídrico Visión 2030 del Organismo de Cuenca Península de Baja California
Water Problems…
• Of the total groundwater available in the Region, 60% is located
in the Mexicali Valley and the “Mesa Arenosa”, San Luis Río
Colorado, the first one for agricultural use and the second one
to supply water to border cities from San Luis Rio Colorado to
Tijuana.
• However, irrigation efficiency is very low and there is a huge
waste of water due among other causes, to rudimentary
irrigation practices, poor maintenance of water infrastructure,
leveling problems and inadequate water management at farm
level.
• Water losses by seepage in unlined canals with capacity up to 1
m3/s are 17 l/s/km and in canals with more capacity are 23
l/s/km. At farm level, efficiency is 71%, resulting in a total
efficiency of 56% in the gravity conduction systems, which
means that for every cubic meter diverted, almost half of water
is lost.
The Colorado River meets much of the water needs of seven states in the
USA, two from Mexico and thirty-four American tribes. This represents a
population of 30 million people, projected to reach 38 million by 2020. In
the past 100 years, the total percentage of area affected by extreme
droughts, in the U.S. has ranged from 14% a year on average, with a
maximum of 65% in 1934.
It is well documented that the allocation of Colorado River water to the
basin States took place during the wettest period (between 1905 and
1925), in a period of 400 years.
Recently, the western U.S. has suffered a sustained drought, 30-40% of
the region is subjected to a severe drought since 1999, and the Colorado
River has had, between 2000 and 2004, the five-year low flow rate ever
recorded. In addition, States of the southwestern U.S. are experiencing
one of the fastest growth rates in the country and generate a social
demand, economic and environmental resources, with the resulting legal
disputes.
A small portion of the Colorado River basin (15%) provides most of its
volume (85%). Estimates show that with global warming and increased
evaporation, runoff reduction reached 30% during the twenty-first century.
Under these conditions, and taking into account the planned withdrawals, it
could only meet the needs specified in the Colorado River Compact for 6075% of the time between now and 2025.
Some studies estimate that by 2050, average moisture conditions in the
southwestern U.S. could match those seen in the 50s, such changes would be
due to rising temperatures.
Most scenarios of Colorado River flow at Lees Ferry indicate that, in 20 years,
the runoff could be insufficient to meet current demand of water resources.
Recent experience suggests that conditions are now 'critical' in that basin.
The variability and climate change, coupled with increasing pressure because
of the effect of development, will cause unprecedented scale droughts
unknown for the institutions of the region and exacerbate conflicts among
water users.
Source: El cambio climático y el agua. Documento Técnico VI del Grupo Intergubernamental de Expertos sobre Cambio Climático
US-Mexico Cooperation Actions
With the vision of managing the watershed integrally, within the IBWC it was
formed in 2008 a core group and four working groups with representatives of
federal, state and NGOs in Mexico and the US.
Main Objectives of Mexico
• Meet current water needs, and future for urban uses, agriculture and
environment in the US-Mexico border
• Assess current weather conditions, and future condition of scarcity.
• Developing new sources and increase storage capacity.
• Binational investment programs for water conservation and environmental
improvement.
Main Objectives of the US
• Addressing current needs of water quantity and quality and in the future
urban use, agriculture and environment of US and Mexico
• Implement procedures to better manage water scarcity.
• Evaluate potential water exchange US-Mexico of new sources produced by
the development of infrastructure, improvements or other projects. 15
• Assess potential impact of climate change on Colorado River.
Identified Projects in the Working Groups
• Lining of 75 Km from the ID014 main network, with an
approximate cost of 680 MDP, with this project about 46
hm3/year will be recovered. This volume is not
compromised.
• Identification of sites to construct desalination
plants at Rosarito and Puerto Peñasco.
• Establishment of five priority areas of conservation and
map of water needs for the environment, considering the
boundary sector, riparian and Colorado River Delta.
• Aquifer monitoring, shortage and drought plans, annual
and multiannual storage in Mexico and USA, modeling
the whole Colorado River System, operational storage.
Importance of Desalination
Desalination is an alternative of solution because is
technically and economically feasible.
• In 2002 there were 171 desalination plants
– Installed capacity 781 l/s
• In 2006 there were 435 registered
desalination plants
– Installed capacity 3,600 l/s
– This represents 5 times more.
The main process in Mexico is reverse osmosis
with 76% of the plants
From the total capacity, 45% is for seawater and
42% for brackish water
The State with more desalination plants is
Quintana Roo with 79 plants, followed by Baja
California Sur with 71.
64% of the deslination plant are privately
owned, mainly for tourism
In 2006, the biggest municipal Desalination Plant
began to operate in Los Cabos, South Baja California, with a
Capacity of 200 l/s
The desalination plant in Los Cabos is the first one in Mexico to supply
drinking water to a community of 40 thousand inhabitants, which has
made desalination in Mexico to be an option for reducing the lack of water
to supply basic needs of the population.
Source: Comisión Nacional del Agua. Octubre 2009
Rosarito, B.C.
• Capacity 2,190 l/s; 1,195 in the first
stage, (it is estimated a required
investment of 1,300 MDP, it is expected
the participation of USA in its
construction).
La Misión, B.C.
• Capacity 250 l/s, the basic engineering
study is been conducted. It is expected
to supply the urban zone located north
of Ensenada and the south of Playas de
Rosarito.
Ensenada, B.C.
• Capacity 250 l/s, in bidding, it is
expected to begin its constructions
shortly with a period of 18 months.
Puerto Peñasco, Son.
• Capacity in a first stage 4,700 l/s. It is an
initiative of the State of Arizona, it is
expected that the water would be used
for municipal and agricultural uses.
Ground of
IBWC
Power
Plant
South
Bay
USA
Mexico
Rosarito
Desalination
Plant
Desalination
Plant
La Mision
Desalination
Plant
Ensenada
Binational Desalination Plant in Rosarito, B.C.
It is under analysis to build a Binational Desalination Plant in Playas de
Rosarito, BC, with a capacity of 1,095 l/s at an initial stage to 2.190 l/s
as final capacity.
The volume of desalinated water would be shared between Mexico
and the United States.
Currently, San Diego County Water Authority is financing the Feasibility
Study and the Preliminary Design of the Plant .
The activities in which we work are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Data collection
Field visits to possible sites for the plant
Tour through various routes for water delivery
Energy requirements
Water demand projections for Mexico and the US
Requirements and Environmental Permitting
Conclusions of the first stage
•
•
The project is feasible.
•
There are potential sites to construct
the Plant.
•
There is enough energy available to
the Plant. CFE would allow the use of
its intake and its discharge for brine
disposal.
•
•
The water demand of Mexico and USA
is higher than expected, even higher
than 2,190 l/s.
It is required to develop more
alternatives to convey product water.
Complicated
Permitting.
Potential Sites to construct the
plant
Coastal Route
Inland Route
Corridor 2000
Rosarito Beach
Desalination Site
Environmental
Potential routes to convey
product water
Next Steps
•
The scope of work of the project is being revised to
better define the objectives of it.
•
It is expected to develop the necessary information to
decide whether to continue the project or not.
•
•
Additional partners are being sought to fund the project.
We continue working within the Joint Cooperation
Process.
For CONAGUA, the project is very important, in 2011, has
scheduled 250,000 dollars to:


Through IBWC support the development of the
second phase.
Analyze the effects of the desalination project in
Tijuana, B.C. - San Diego Ca region.
Challenges: Legal Framework
Because of the pressure that the
implementation of desalination
processes will involve in our
country, due the scarcity of
freshwater, is crucial, to have
clear rules, both handling and
management of the facilities and
the quality to be met by the
products and waste products of
the same, with the goal to comply
two basic objectives, increase the
water
supply
and
not
contaminate.
• The LAN defines concession as the title given by CONAGUA for
exploitation, operation and use of the national waters, and
their inherent public assets, to individuals or legal entities of
public and private, except allocation titles. (Art. 15 Fracc. III)
• And states that grant is not required for the extraction of
marine internal waters and territorial sea, for exploitation or
use, except those that are intended to desalination, which will
be awarded. (Art. 17).
• It also states that the public works necessaries, that allow to
supply, treatment and desalination, whose implementation
affects two or more states, are federal competence through
CONAGUA. (Art. 96 BIS 2, Fracc. IV)
Proposal
• Draft NOM-000-CNA-0000, Drinking Water – that will establish the
specifications to be met by desalination plants of seawater and
brackish water for human use.
Objective
• To establish the specifications to be met by desalinations
facilities of seawater, brackish water for human use, and
wastewater discharges.
Application Field
• The specifications will be mandatory for all public and private
facilities, whose purpose is the desalination of seawater or brackish
water, whatever the procedure use for this purpose; are also
subject, water resources thus obtain, which are integrated – in the
case of seawater desalination – to the hydrological cycle, together
with freshwater, and renewable groundwater.
• The use of techniques for obtaining non-renewable resources
such as water desalination should be considered after
considering all possible ways to save on all water-consuming
sectors.
• The quality of water obtained by the desalination methods is
suitable for any human consumption, supply and agricultural
irrigation..
• Only some very specific industrial processes require special
treatments.
• At present, desalination is in some countries one of their main
sources of water with a large number of desalination plants
with a fully satisfactory performance.
• In Mexico, the most used process for water desalination is
reverse osmosis, with 76% of the plants according the
inventory, and most of them are running for the hotel industry
• The desalination plant in Los Cabos is the first one in Mexico to
supply drinking water to a community of 40 thousand
inhabitants, which has made desalination in Mexico to be an
option for reducing the lack of water to supply basic needs of
the population.
• It is expected that in the medium term, desalination is also an
option to apply to different uses of human consumption, such
as agricultural irrigation of crops with high commercial value.
• Should not be denied the environmental impact associated
with desalination plants, the most important are brine
discharge, the chemicals used and the CO2 and NOx generation
caused by energy consumption.
• Before it, and finally, proper legislation can minimize these
impacts, as opposed to the environmental impact of a
permanent nature, derived from these large hydraulic works.
Next Steps
However progress will be necessary to continue working on the
actions that allow:
•
•
•
•
•
Generate new sources of water that would increase water
supply and reduce pressure on the hydrological system.
Explore US investment schemes in infrastructure in exchange
of water by specific time, which are of interest and benefit for
both countries.
Solve technical, legal, economic, environmental, social,
political issues associated with the project.
Review and approve jointly cooperation projects in the
framework of the IBWC.
Involved all affected (federal, state, users, legislators, among
others)
Final Message
The Governments of Mexico and the US have been characterized by:

The great capability of jointly provide efforts to strengthen policies
to protect the environment and natural resources sustainably;

The willingness to cooperate in the search for joint actions to
improve environmental quality and optimize the quality of life of
people in the border region shared by both countries.

Opportunities for collaboration and the importance of strengthening
cooperation through initiatives on priority issues of common
interest.

The willingness to promote new mechanisms for dialogue and
agreements leading to the strengthening their relations of friendship
and mutual productive action;
The desire of the National Water Commission is that the binational
collaborative effort, is considered as an international example globally, in
terms of integrated water management by basin.
Water Resources Research Center 2011
Annual Conference
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