Data and insights to advance characterization of groundwater resources in the Plaine des Gonaïves, Haiti

• Published in: Hydrogeology journal Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 1433 - 1451
• Main Authors: Adamson, James K., Miner, Wm. Javan, Bernasconi, Jonas L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-08-2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Advancements in hydrogeological knowledge of Haiti for recovery and development; Agriculture; Alluvial aquifers; Alluvial deposits; Alluvium; Aquatic Pollution; Aquifers; Bedrock; Canals; Climate change; Coastal aquifers; Commercial farms; Confined aquifers; Ditches; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Geology; Geophysics/Geodesy; Groundwater; Groundwater chemistry; Groundwater flow; Groundwater management; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Hydrology/Water Resources; Infiltration; Isotope composition; Modernization; Multilayers; Municipal water; Recharge; Rivers; Urban agriculture; Urban development; Urbanization; Waste Water Technology; Water chemistry; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; Water quality; Water Quality/Water Pollution; Water resources; Water springs; Water supply; Wetlands; Haiti; Groundwater management; Developing countries; Haiti; Data scarcity; Coastal aquifers
• ISSN: 1431-2174; 1435-0157
• DOI: 10.1007/s10040-022-02491-8

The Plaine des Gonaïves houses a regionally significant yet data-scarce coastal aquifer in one of the driest regions of Haiti. It is the primary source of water for the region, including Haiti’s third largest city, Gonaïves. Pressure on groundwater resources will be compounded as municipal water services modernize and energy infrastructure enables the resurgence of commercial agriculture. In anticipation of increased stress and greater impacts, this study was undertaken (including data discovery, reconnaissance, and analysis) to gain insights and to advance understanding of the groundwater resources. The alluvial aquifer covers >115 km
2
, exceeds 100 m thickness, and supports pumping yields as high as 532 m
3
/h. The heterogeneous multilayer aquifer exhibits hydraulic conductivities that range by an order of magnitude, influencing groundwater flow, residence times, and chemistry. Significant recharge occurs in the central and upgradient portions of the plain; river infiltration appears to be a more significant recharge source than direct infiltration. In the downgradient portion of the plain, confined aquifer pressure increases and discharge areas include the Quinte River, springs, wetlands, ditches and canals. Underlying the alluvium, discontinuous groundwater in bedrock with structural influence may mix with the alluvial aquifer, affecting isotopic composition and water chemistry. Increased abstraction, climate change, and intensification of agriculture and urban development could have consequential impacts on water quantity, water quality and ecosystems. The results, insights, and supporting datasets are a baseline to guide planning and to advance a hydrogeological conceptual model that supports sustainable and informed groundwater management.