Determining the Effects of the Fires in the Mountains of Cordoba on the Quality of Water in the Reservoirs

Abstract

Córdoba along with its hinterland is one of the most important cities in Argentina with a estimated population in 2020 of more of than 1,450,.000. In this city, water is supplied by the San Roque and Los Molinos reservoirs. The region is subject to strong variations in its hydrological cycles. Besides, a steady population growth experienced in recent years in the city and its hinterland has derived in conflicts in the water supply which were protracted by droughts, floods, and changes in the land use. Additionally, periodic fires in the basin seriously deteriorated both reservoirs routing with profoundly serious consequences. The objective of this study is to perform the assessment of impairment suffered annually by the San Roque and Los Molino's lakes due to the fires that occurred in the Sierras de Córdoba. It also seeks to determine the increase in sedimentation in both reservoirs. The model used to calculate the specified degradation in the basin is the Djorovic & Gavrilovic [1]. Results show a decrease in time lag to reach a total siltation of the reservoirs due to fires in the upper basin.