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<br />u02J75 <br /> <br />water resources, supply and quality parameters must be examined not only within the <br />Alamar River Corridor, but also upstream in the Te:cate River and downstream in the <br />Tijuana River. We also encourage the consideration oflow cost and low technology <br />research alternatives-many of which are detailed below. Concerning water resources, <br />the watershed study should include the following topics: <br /> <br />Water use survey. The survey results should list current uses, and potential new uses <br />presented by the river park alternative. The following data are needed from CESPT and <br />CNA: (1) a map of active and inactive wells in the Alamar Valley and well production <br />estimates; (2) the coverage and availability of piped water in the Alamar Valley region; <br />(3) sources, uses, and actual cost of piped water. A geographical survey mapping the <br />location and length of streams (including intermittent streams), and wetlands, is also <br />needed. This survey is key to determining the designation of recreational activities <br />(fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching, and so forth). Once the water quality <br />assessment is completed (see below), a listing and map should be produced delineating to <br />the location and size of waters not fully supporting designated uses identified in the <br />original water use survey (Campo EP A 1994). <br /> <br />Surface and groundwater assessment. Using historical records and stream flow gauges, <br />average, high, and low surface water flows must be determined. Data from government <br />and academic studies should be compiled in order to estimate the mean annual natural <br />inflow. In terms of groundwater resources, soil sUlveys should be conducted to precisely <br />locate recharge areas and estimate mean annual amounts of recharge. W ell log data, <br />along with soils analyses, can be utilized to estimate the storage capacity of the aquifer <br />within the Alamar River Corridor (California, Department of Water Resources 1965). <br />Recharge and groundwater storage capacity estimates are needed to establish the natural <br />capital, or economic value of locally produced water resources. Cost estimates of local <br />groundwater production in the Tijuana River aquifer and cost estimates of imported <br />Colorado River (the actual cost including extraction, pumping water, aqueduct <br />maintenance, storage, transportation, and so forth) should be determined. <br /> <br />Water quality. Water quality is key to the surface and groundwater assessment. Hence, a <br />long-term monitoring program is necessary to identify baseline conditions, and trends in <br />degradation, to isolate sources of contamination, and to determine water quantity and <br />quality effects of land use in the watershed. Given that watershed monitoring is costly, it <br />is recommend that specific pollutants and pollution sources be identified, not only in the <br />Alamar River Corridor, but also upstream in the Tecate River and any streams that feed <br />into the Alamar River. <br /> <br />In July 2000, three BorderLink researchers participated in a water quality testing <br />workshop in San Diego, California. The primary goal of this workshop was to develop a <br />cost-effective protocol for community-based water quality testing for Chollas Creek (a <br />creek located in the San Diego Bay watershed). The Chollas Creek water quality testing <br />program is designed to yield consistent results using testing methodology and reporting <br />standards developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With little cost and <br />training, students and community volunteers can .conduct a simple, yet accurate water <br /> <br />25 <br />