Current Status and Future Directions in Modeling a Transboundary Aquifer: A Case Study of Hueco Bolson

Abstract

The Hueco Bolson aquifer is a binational aquifer shared by the United States of America (USA) and Mexico that is strongly interconnected with the transboundary river, Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. Limited recharge, increasing urbanization, and intensified agriculture have resulted in the over-drafting of groundwater resources and stressed the aquifer, threatening its sustainability if mitigation actions are not taken soon. Research indicates that the aquifer’s hydraulic gradients and flow directions have changed due to the high groundwater withdrawal rates from the two major cities—El Paso (USA) and Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the Hueco Bolson aquifer modeling history and makes a case for future modeling and binational engagement efforts. First, we discuss the evolution of groundwater modeling for Hueco Bolson from the past to recent times. Second, we discuss the main water management issues in the area, including water quality and quantity, stakeholders’ participation, and climate change. To address the challenges of holistic water management, we propose developing a graphical quantitative modeling framework (e.g., system model and Bayesian belief network) to include experts’ opinions and enhance stakeholders’ participation in the model. Though the insights are based on a case study of Hueco Bolson, the approaches discussed in this study can provide new strategies to overcome the challenges of managing a transboundary aquifer.

Advances in Transboundary Aquifer Assessment

“…Because of their importance as regional water sources, there is a long history of research focused on the Mesilla/Conejos-Médanos and Hueco Bolson aquifers [12,13]. Four Special Issue papers focus on the physical assessment of these aquifers, expanding understanding of groundwater/surface-water interactions and of deep and interbasin groundwater circulation, and include a synthesis of Mesilla/Conejos-Médanos research and an updated hydrologic conceptual model.…”

“…Hydraulic gradients and flow directions in the Hueco Bolson aquifer have changed because of high groundwater withdrawal rates in the two major cities, El Paso, United States and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, raising questions about long-term aquifer sustainability [13]. Talchabhadel et al, in "Current status and future directions in modeling a transboundary aquifer: A case study of Hueco Bolson" [13], present an overview of the Hueco Bolson aquifer modeling history and describe a coupled groundwater-watershed model currently (2021) under development. Given the complex set of stressors acting on this transboundary aquifer, they make the point that any sustainable and acceptable management solution will need all stakeholders' buy-in and knowledge co-production.…”