Water Resources of the Rio Laja Watershed

The watershed is at a turning point according to United States, Canadian and Mexican experts. Although some areas are in good condition, two enormous problems threaten the region.

Surface conditions

Rapid population growth has caused the area to suffer severely from deforestation and over grazing. Too many poor people have been swinging too many axes for firewood. Too many grazing animals, especially goats, have denuded the countryside. As a result erosion of plains and slopes is severe. Streams and arroyos have lost their ancient, geological, meandering paths. During the rainy season water flows swiftly like a bowling ball down an alley dragging precious farm land away. Most of the year, however, streams that were once perennial are bone dry.

Underground conditions

With few trees and little vegetation, the dusty terrain no longer absorbs adequate rainwater because it no longer sinks into the ground. As a result, the aquifer is not recharging as it should be.

Furthermore irrigated agriculture accounts for approximately 85% of water use. Wasteful irrigation practices and profligate pumping of ground water are causing springs and rivers to disappear. The combination of poor conditions on the surface and unsustainable pumping of ground water is causing the water table to decline 2-5 meters a year. According to the best estimates of hydrologists, San Miguel and surrounding areas should be out of water in 15 to 20 years if nothing is done.

Water Quality

Untreated municipal sewage from Dolores Hidalgo, San Miguel de Allende, and other towns is flushed into the Laja. Lower water levels intensify declines in water quality. Stream ecologists, however, have determined many reaches are still in good condition.

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Salvemos al Río Laja A.C.
Aldama #3, Col. Centro, San Miguel de Allende - 37700 Guanajuato, México
415-152-0158, cel. 045-473-117-9786 info@rio-laja.org