Geochemical evolution of groundwater in the Maneadero coastal aquifer during a dry year in Baja California, Mexico

Water pumped from 25 shallow wells (<31 m) in the Maneadero unconfined coastal aquifer was studied geochemically in order to determine the short-term compositional variability of the aquifer due to seawater intrusion during a drier than normal year (Fall 2001 to Fall 2002). The groundwater was commonly found to be mixed with seawater, with TDS concentrations in November 2002 ranging from 0.99 to 9.46 g l⁻¹, having an intermediate Na⁺Cl⁻ to Ca²⁺Cl⁻ water-type. Rapid recharge events of short duration, after low and short rainfall events during the study period, are suggested from short-term fluctuations in water quality. Seawater intrusion is progressing faster in the central and southern coastal sections of the aquifer and has recently affected the quality of the sites pumping water to the nearby city of Ensenada. Only one of the wells used for the Ensenada water supply had a TDS concentration lower than the 1.0 g l⁻¹ official limit. Low flow rates and high residence times of water are inferred to be the cause for high alkalinity in the east-central section of the aquifer. High NO₃ in the east-central aquifer indicates that any NO₃ infiltration due to fertilizer use was only slightly dispersed. After a short rainfall season during winter 2001, a significant decrease was seen for the previously most enriched site. However, concentrations above the 10 mg l⁻¹ official limit persisted in 2002, affecting one well for urban supply (15.9 mg l⁻¹). The water from this well is nevertheless mixed with better-quality water from other wells before being distributed through the city’s piping system.