Water supply and demand of the hydrographic demarcation of Manabi, Ecuador

Abstract

Manabi is the only province in Ecuador that does not receive contribution of the runoff coming from the thaw of the snow-covered of the Andes mountain. This situation impacts severely on the agriculture activities. This study presents an estimate of water supply and demand of the Manabi hydrographic demarcation based on the hydro meteorological data and the water needs of the population by 2050. The research topic is very topical since it contributes to providing the necessary inputs for the planning and use of water resources in order to generate projects that tend to cover the current water deficit. The methodology used to estimate the water supply is based on the precipitation-runoff model proposed by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States of America. In fact, in spite of the annual volume of runoff has been estimated at 9658.83 hm3, against 2388.93 hm3, which is the average annual volume of water to meet the demands, from July to November it can be seen that the deficit reach at 330.27 hm3. The results obtained constitute a valuable tool for specialists and governmental and non-governmental institutions responsible for the control, planning and development of water resources in the region.