Possible effects of climate change on groundwater resources in the central region of Santa Fe Province, Argentina

Abstract

Groundwater has a fundamental importance in the centre of Santa Fe province, Argentina. In this region, more than 250,000 inhabitants are supplied with groundwater, as it is the only source of water supply for all regional demands. The aquifer used is commonly known as “Puelche” aquifer. The estimated daily average fl ow from pumping wells in the aquifer is 51 million liters, of which 26 million liters are consumed in the cities of Esperanza and Rafaela, the two most important towns in the area (Figure 15.1).