Abstract

TAPIA, Raúl; SCAGLIA, Juan; ANDRIEU, Jimena  and  MARTINELLI, Mariana. Access and quality of water for its use in multiple activities by small goat-producers in the southeast of San Juan dryland (Argentina). Multequina [online]. 2017, vol.26, n.1, pp.21-32. ISSN 1852-7329.

This research aims to assess the current situation of water sources for human consumption and productive activities in the Southeastern area in the "25 de Mayo" Department, Province of San Juan (Argentina). For this purpose, physiographic units were first identified based on visual interpretation of a LANDSAT 8 OLI/TIRS 232 82 satellite image, dated 12/20/2014, and a preexisting map. Samples of each water source were collected and the appropriate physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out. Thirteen goat farming units, known as El Rincón Community, were identified. Five water sources were found there: 4 of groundwater (3 from drillings and 1 from bucket-well) and 1 superficial. From analyses performed on the afore described water sources, it is concluded that only a bucket-well with appropriate water management techniques can be used to provide drinking water to animals; water from San Juan River proved to be fit for irrigation and animal consumption, though when human consumption is concerned it is recommended to give further consideration to bacteriological tests. Water from the reservoir is supplied by the Municipal Water Service and it proved to be fit for human consumption, irrigation, and animal consumption. However, the volume of water supplied is low: 19 liters per person per day, according to water availability.

Keywords : Water; Water quality; Water uses; Arid areas; Dry land.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )