Chapter 2 - A regional perspective: introduction to the case studies from Sapin & Mexico
recharge. The situation would be eased by an agreement to cover at least 10 Mm3/yr of drinking water requirements with the surface streamflows stored at the Guadalupe Victoria reservoir, and to supply at least 10 Mm3/yr of treated urban residual waters to the Guadalupe Victoria irrigation module. The city would keep a small number of wells (10-15) for industrial use. From the farmers’ viewpoint, the use of reclaimed water has enabled increases (up to 30%) in the production of corn, alfalfa and oats compared to the alternative, with a saving of up to 50% in the cost of fertilizer. This indicates the scale of potential farmers’ benefits from the arrangement. However, the Durango water utility’s attempts to recover its treatment costs from the farmers (estimated to be $320 000/month) have not been agreed. Two difficulties have arisen. Firstly, there is no proper legal basis for charging agriculture users since the city has to treat its wastewaters whether they are used subsequently or not. Secondly, there is no feasible alternative outlet for the effluent since Durango City cannot divert the natural course of the river, nor withhold residual waters nor grant water use rights to anyone anywhere. (In the latter context, an approach to a thermal power plant in the region with a view to its use of the wastewater for cooling purposes has not borne fruit). MAP 2.9
Network between Blanes desalination plant and water supplier in Tordera Delta
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