GEO-HYDROLOGICAL SYNOPSIS

OF THE TODOS

SANTOS

AQUIFER

TODOS SANTOS, MUNICIPALITY OF LA PAZ, BCS.

APPLICANT: FRBC-TODOS SANTOS DOS,
S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

JUNE, 2012

PROMOTERS INFORMATION:

NAME:

FRBC-TODOS SANTOS DOS,

S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

ADDRESS:

KNOWN, TODOS SANTOS, BCS

GEO-HYDROLOGICAL SYNOPSIS OF THE TODOS SANTOS

AQUIFER, MUNICIPALITY OF LA PAZ, BCS
CONTENTS

No.
Concept
Page
I.
GENERAL ASPECTS ............................................................................................................... 1

II.

I.1.

Objective .................................................................................................. 1

I.2.

Background .............................................................................................. 1

I.3.

Location of the Todos Santos Aquifer ........................................................... 2

I.4.

Access Roads and Communication Routes.................................................... 3

I.5.

Weather conditions, precipitation and vegetation. ........................................... 4

I.5.1.

Climate. ....................................................................................... 4

I.5.1.1.

Mean annual temperature. .............................................................. 5

I.5.1.2.

Average maximum temperature ....................................................... 7

I.5.1.3.

Average minimum temperature........................................................ 9

I.5.1.4.

Mean annual precipitation............................................................. 11

I.5.2.

Land Use and Vegetation. ............................................................. 13

GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ................................................................................................. 15

II.1. Physiography .......................................................................................... 15
II.2. Hydrography ........................................................................................... 17
II.3. Geomorphology ....................................................................................... 20
II.4. Structural geology ................................................................................... 22

III.

HYDROLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 26
III.1. Uunderground hydrology (aquifier) ............................................................. 26
III.2. Surface hydrology (springs) ...................................................................... 31

IV.
No.

PRIOR GEO-HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES. ............................................................................. 34

Concept

Page

V.

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE STUDY PROMOTER. ................................... 37

VI.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................... 44

VI.1. Conclusions. ........................................................................................... 44
VI.2. Recommendations. .................................................................................. 45

VII.

ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................... 46

Form #CAN-01-013, authorization for transfer of registration titles, this

document details the requirements of the 13 PAGES-procedure.
Drawing 1 of 2, includes the location of wells and springs on the INEGI
chart, scale 1:50,000.
Drawing 2 of 2, includes the location of wells and springs on Google
images.

I.

GENERAL ASPECTS

Objective
The present study was requested by the company FRBC-TODOS SANTOS DOS,
S. DE R.L. DE C.V., and its objective was to carry out an off-site study of the
Todos Santos aquifer, gathering diverse information in order to determine its
present condition, as well as to learn the applicable regulations regarding domestic
waters, in order to support decision-making in water matters for a development
project intended to be carried out in the region.
The present study is based on the results of geo-hydrological studies carried out by
various government and private institutions in the present study zone and its
description will be recorded and analyzed in the present document.
Background
The locality of Todos Santos, founded in 1723, is one of todays 5 municipal
departments of the municipality of La Paz, in the state of Baja California Sur,
located 80 km south of the city of La Paz, and 75 km north-northwest of Cabo San
Lucas, BCS. It is a population whose original vocation was growing sugar cane, a
crop planted by the founding Jesuit missionaries, and an activity which was carried
out over more than a century. The sugar refinery closed its operations in the 60's
due to the low selling price of the product and the introduction of new agricultural
products which allowed to harvest 2 crops per year using less water. As a result of
this success, the population began a new form of agricultural activity, mango
production. Nowadays, chile, tomato, and a large variety of organic products for
exportation are also seeded, and fishing and livestock activities are carried out in
the region.
Up to the late 40's, the aquifers in this entity were exploited by way of shallow
water sources (shallow waterwheels), which extracted smaller amounts of water for
domestic, farming and livestock purposes.
The current population of Todos Santos is 5,148 inhabitants: 2631 men and 2631
women. It has public utilities such as electricity, and potable water, and a portion of
the locality has sewerage and drainage services.

Location of the Todos Santos Aquifer

The geographic location of the Todos Santos aquifer, Municipality of La Paz, is in
the south-west region of the state of Baja California Sur, and is the largest urban
area of the region.
The locality of Todos Santos is the most benefited recipient of water from the
referred aquifer, located at the geographical coordinates 23 263' 55" north and
11013'24" west, latitude and longitude, respectively (Source: INEGI 2010
Population and Housing Census). (Figure 1)
LOCATION

Geographical Location
Latitude North: 23 26 55
Longitude West: 110 13 24

TOPOGRAPHICAL CHART, INEGI: TODOS SANTOS

Figure 1

Access Roads and Communication Routes

The Transpeninsular Highway (Federal Highway No. 1) provides land

transportation in the south of this Entity, specifically at highway section 112+00 km
of La Paz-Cabo San Lucas (short route), where a beltway is under construction in
the east zone of the Todos Santos locality, BCS. By air, there is access through
the General International Airport Manuel Mrquez de Len, in La Paz, and Los
Cabos International Airport, located at San Jos del Cabo, BCS. Marine service is
provided in two ports: La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. (Figure 2).
COMMUNICATION ROUTES

Figure 2
3

WEATHER CONDITIONS, PRECIPITATION AND VEGETATION.

Climate.
The Tropic of Cancer crosses this locality, generating a temperate climate. It is
known as The Never-Ending Spring City of the State, and its climate can be 5 to
8C lower in relation to the rest of the State, which favors the growth of palm
groves, large fruit trees which give the region a resemblance of an oasis.

The mean annual temperature is 21.3C (table 1, chart 1.a, and 1.b); the maximum
temperature is 27.3C, occurring in the month of September (table 2, chart 2.a, and
2.b); and the minimum temperature is 15.4C, occurring in the month of March
(table 3, chart 3.a, and 3.b). The mean annual precipitation is 150.2 mm, being
September the month with the highest average rainfall.
(Table 4, chart 4.a, and 4.b). (Source: National Water Commission). (Figure 3).

MEAN ANNUAL PRECIPITATION

Figure 3
4

Mean annual temperature.

The mean annual temperature is 21.3C, being the year 2007 the one with the
lowest average annual temperature (18.4C), and the year 1964 the one with the
highest average annual temperature (23.3C), with a falling temperature tendency.
Mean Annual Temperature Records
Year

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Total:
Average:

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Annual

1045.1
21.3

S/D = No data
Table 1

MEAN ANNUAL TEMPERATURE

Chart 1

Average maximum temperature

The average maximum temperature is 27.3C, being the year 2002 the one with
the lowest average maximum temperature (25.4C), and the year 2009 the one
with the highest average maximum temperature (30.1C), with an increasing
temperature tendency.
Average Maximum Temperature Records
Year

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Total:
Average:

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Annual

1336.6
27.3

S/D = No data
Table 2

AVERAGE ANNUAL MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

Chart 2.a

Average minimum temperature

The average minimum temperature is 15.4C, being the year 2007 the one with the
lowest average minimum temperature (10.8C), and the years 1964 and 1997 the
ones with the highest average minimum temperature (18.1C).
Average Minimum Temperature Records
Year

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Total:
Average:

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Annual

752.8
15.4

S/D = No data
Table 3

AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM TEMPERATURE

Chart 3.a

10

Mean annual precipitation

The average minimum precipitation is 150.20 mm, being the year 1995 the one
with the lowest mean annual rainfall (8.5 mm); however, it is important to mention
that in the months with most rainfall, CONAGUA did not obtained any records
(August, September, October, and November); and being the year 1989 the one
with the highest mean annual precipitation (404.7 mm).
Mean annual precipitation records
Year

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Total:
Average:

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Annual

7510.1
150.202

S/D = No data
Table 4

11

ANNUAL PRECIPITATION

Chart 4.a

12

Land Use and Vegetation.

The diversity of land use is classified as irrigation agriculture, cultivated grasslands,
and crassicaulous and sarcocaulous shrubs. (Figure 4)
LAND USE

LAND USE AND VEGETATION

Figure 4
The vegetation cover is a factor considered in the evaluation of runoff units; the
density and type of cover intervene in the amount of runoff, acting as a retardant,
and promoting infiltration.
In order to determine the type of vegetation in the basin, a topographic land use
and vegetation map from the INEGI was used (F12-2-3-5-6). (Figure 5)

13

La Reforma brook
basin

LAND USE AND VEGETATION CHART, INEGI: SAN JOS DEL CABO (F12-2-35-6)

Figure 5
(S) SARCOCAULOUS-SEMI-THORNY SHRUBS. These zones show great activity
of Opuntia cholla (Cholla), which is favored by the livestock activities in the area.
In some regions, the goat livestock is Nubian breed; and Ruellia californica (Rama
Parda) is generally observed as one of the species that is most foraged by this
type of livestock. Lysiloma candida (Palo blanco) is more abundant in brooks.
(S) SARCOCAULOUS-THORNY SHRUBS. These communities are found over
the alluvial fans, foothills and low hills, and generally develop on stony substrata.
The physiognomy of these communities is provided by Pachycereus pringlei
(Cactus), Machaerocereus gummosus (Sour Pitaya), and Lophocereus schottii
(Garambullo), which form small colonies. Some plants such as Salicornia sp.,
Lycium sp., Atriplex sp., and Maytenus phyllanthoides are abundant in locations
near the coast.
GROUND LEVEL.
RAS. Annual and semi-permanent irrigation crops.
Cultivated grasslands, cattle.
14

II.

GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Physiography
The area under study originates in a mountain system, and follows a south-west
direction, so runoffs begin in a mountain of medium elevation, and the discharges
flow into the Pacific Ocean, with elevations which do not exceed 320 meters above
sea level (m.a.s.l.).
The study zone belongs to the southern part of the Magdalena plains discontinuity,
located in the central western portion of the State, bordered to the north and east
by the sub-province Sierra de la Giganta (a mountain range), to the west and south
by the Pacific Ocean, and to the south-east by the Del Cabo discontinuity. (Figure
6 and 7).
PHYSIOGRAPHY

SUB-PROVINCE PHYSIOGRAPHY

Figure 6

15

PHYSIOGRAPHY

Figure 7
Physiographically, the zone has a structure in the shape of a depression, with the
above mentioned borders.

16

Hydrography
The States setting within the hydrological division of the Mexican Republic guides
us to the region to which our area under study corresponds; and in order to study
each region in the most detail, we need to resort to a different source of
information, i.e., that of the basin, whose analysis may afford a greater hydrological
description of the environment.
The entity is situated among the following hydrological regions:
RH 2
RH 3
RH 5
RH 6

Central Baja California West (Vizcano)

South Baja California West (Magdalena)
Central Baja California East (Santa Rosala)
South Baja California East (La Paz)

These are further divided into basins and sub-basins.

17

Region

Basin

Sub-basin
Candelaria Brook 507.23 km

San Jacinto River 226.00 km

Santa Ins 681.00 km

3A
"Caracol Brook-Candelaria
Brook"
8,003.26 km

El Carrizal Brook 2,090.21 km

Datilar Brook 1,433.31 km

Guadalupe Brook 644.84 km

Caracol Brook 2,420.67 km
South-west Baja
California

Salado Brook 2,240.87 km

Magdalena Bay 3,616.93 km

2

Soledad Brook 4,597.26 km

3B
"Venancio Brook-Salado Brook"
15,479.19 km

(Magdalena)

28,470.42 Km

Santa Cruz Brook 2,054.05 km

Santo Domingo Brook 1632.19 km

2
Venancio Brook 1,337.89 km
Comond Brook 1,004.42 km
3C
"Mezquital Brook-Comond
Brook"
4,987.97 km

Pabelln Brook 770.39 km

Cadegomo River 1,831.07 km

Mezquital Brook 533.35 km

These regions are part of the Pacific Ocean slope.

The area under study is located within hydrological region No. 3, South-West Baja
California (Magdalena), basin 3A "Caracol Brook-Candelaria Brook", with a surface
area of 8,003.26 km2, and the sub-basins which are part of it are the following:
Candelaria Brook 507.23 km2, San Jacinto River 226.00 km2, Santa Ins 681.00
km2, El Carrizal Brook 2,090.21 Km2, Datilar Brook 1,433.31 km2, Guadalupe
Brook 644.84 km2, Caracol Brook 2,420.67 km2. The population settlements
located within these areas are the following: Guadalupe, El Conejo, La Aguja, San

18

Isidro, Todos Santo, San Pedro, El Triunfo, El Carrizal, Plutarco Elas Calles, and
Migrio. (Figure 8)
HYDROGRAPHY

Study zone

Figure 8

19

Geomorphology
Although geological and geomorphological evidences are not very clear, it is
possible that the La Reforma brook is in fact a geological fault connected to the
discontinuous fault of La Paz; and if so, we would be speaking of one of the largest
geological structures.
The presence of geological structures such as these and the intense fracturing
factor create porosity and secondary permeability of the rock, which favor, above
all, the increase of underground water flow through said rocks.
The valley in Todos Santos is narrow: 2.5 km in width at the sea mouth, and up to
2 km inland, where it narrows to 1.3 km in width by 3 km in length. In this zone,
which corresponds to the main zone of the Todos Santos valley, land rises from
the coastline up to 160 m.a.s.l. to the exploitation height TS23. On the highest part,
the valley opens out and is known as the Plan de San Juan, with an extension of 5
7 km, and a moderate slope of 160 to 260 m.a.s.l. There is another small coastal
valley to the south of Todos Santos, which opens out into the ocean at about 800
meters. The main surface current corresponds to the La Reforma Brook, which
originates at the Santa Ins dam, and runs along the narrow valley of Todos
Santos to flow into the ocean. The valley is surrounded by topographic elevations
made up essentially of metamorphic and intrusive igneous rocks, and a lower
degree of conglomerates. They have various geographic forms, partly rounded,
with a soft slope, and partly dissected by numerous streams and brooks. They go
as high up as 300 m.a.s.l. Figure 9 shows aspects of this valleys landscape.

20

GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE AQUIFER

Figure 9

21

Structural geology
The study zone is made up of sedimentary materials of alluvial origin (alluvium);
these coarse, medium and fine sandy materials are produced by rock erosion and
transported there through surface water runoffs. Its physical properties, such as
porosity, transmissivity and degree of compaction suggest high permeability and
hydraulic conductivity values.
A unit of these rocks is sedimentary, and outcrops on the right side of the brook,
where metamorphic rocks of shale, gneiss and metasedimentary type are also
found. The most abundant are shales, characterized by the appearance of several
flattened laminates. Generally, these rocks present an intense fracturing pattern,
and even mineralogical re-crystallization is observed in some regions.
On the east side of the brook, these rocks are observed in the form of cliffs which
are locally humid and have presence of water.
The geological units which constitute the study area are presented in the
Geological Chart, Scale 1:250,000 San Jose del Cabo F12-2-3-5-6. (Figure 10).

22

La Reforma brook
basin

GEOLOGICAL CHART INEGI: SAN JOS DEL CABO (F12-2-3-5-6)

Figure 10. Geological Units

Q (al) ALLUVIAL. They belong to the 5% of the total basin area, are formed by
alluvial deposits composed of gravels, pebbles, sands, and, to a lesser degree,
clay soils, cumulated along the valleys and riverbeds. The type of components
varies widely according to the composition of the source, and also presents
variations in granulometry, depending on the topography of the land. They are
found in the form of alluvial fans, and sometimes as alluvial terraces. They can
originate from intrusive igneous and metamorphic rocks, sometimes included in a
thick sandy matrix. These deposits are highly permeable; the proof of this are the
human settlements located on the shores of the brook.
Q (cg) CONGLOMERATE. It is located in the largest portion of the basin under
study, comprising 70% of the basin, with conglomerates which form alluvial fans on
the borders of the La Victoria mountain range; they are colored gray to dark gray
with green tones, with a 10 to 20 m thick, and arranged in the form of plateaus
inclined towards the center with a graben structure. The size of the clasts is highly
variable, as near the water source is possible to find conglomerates of 1 m in
23

diameter or larger; but no so in the lower parts and away from the mountain range,
where they vary from 5 cm to 20 cm in diameter. Sandy soils of varying dimensions
are sporadically found, which get buried and lost. These deposits present little
compacting and are considered to have a medium to high permeability, and
concordantly overlie the Salada Formation.
M (Metasedimentary). A sedimentary sequence with regional metamorphism,
including shales and phyllites, which in contact with transcurrent failures present
different types and degrees of cataclasis, such as boudinage structures. Although
all exposed metamorphic rocks in the chart are affected by intrusive acid agents,
the metasedimentary rocks are least damaged by this phenomenon. They have a
high abundance of quartz, muscovite, andalusite, and to a lesser degree, biotite; its
textures vary from porphydoblastic to lepidoblastic, and their metamorphism is low
grade and political class. It outcrops to the north of Todos Santos, and on the west
side of the La Victoria mountain range; it is gray with brown tones. This unit
outcrops on the far western side of the diorite-tonalite grained plutonic massif. It
corresponds to 8% of the total area of the study basin.
M(Gn) GNEISS. Highly weathered orthogneiss rock which contains a
holocrystalline monzonite porphyry dike with hydrothermal alterations, as can be
seen by the presence of epidote, chlorite and sedicite. It belongs to the feldspathic
quartz class, and has a gray color that adopts deep red tones with weathering.
To the south-west of Todos Santos outcrops a white colored gneiss with gray
bands, which appears to originate from intermediate intrusive rocks. Its mineralogy
is quartz, plagioclases and bands of mica and hornblende dark minerals,
occasionally surfacing from muscovite shales of gray color and red tones. It is
found in only a minimum portion of the total area of the study basin.
M(c.met) METAMORPHIC COMPLEX. This unit covers only 6.5% of the total
basin area, and includes mainly three types of rock: basic class shale, feldspathic
quartz class gneiss and migmatite. The outcrops of these rocks are located to the
south and south-west of the locality of Todos Santos.
Shales are black with green tones, sometimes with alternating bands of muscovite
shales; its structure is schistose with lepidoblastic and porphyroblastic textures with
minerals from plagioclase, quartz, hornblende, tremolite-actinolite, traces of biotite

24

and chlorite, epidote and sphene, which were classified as belonging to the green
shale facies, amphibolite subfacies, basic or intermediate class.
The gneisses are white colored with black bands. They present bands of quartz
and mica with amphibolites; they have prints of cataclastic metamorphism and are
affected by intrusive bodies, and as a whole, they have monozonite porphyry dikes
with a green coloring with black tones.
Migmatites are present with a mix of dark amphibolite rocks and white granite
rocks. The first correspond to the preexisting rock, i.e., the metabasic rock, and the
second, to the material which originated in situ.
Tpl(ar-cg) SANDSTONE-CONGLOMERATE. It comprises 5% of the total basin
area and is located on the west side. It is formed by intercalated polymictic
conglomerates with a sandy matrix with calcareous cement and sandy stratum,
some of which are conglomeratic and others have crossed stratification. Stratum
varies from 0.80 to 1.00 m in thickness, and its clastics are from volcanic rock,
mainly siliceous pyroclastic rocks which vary from sub-round to well round. The
unit presents differential weathering and is considered a zone with medium to high
permeability.

25

III.

HYDROLOGY
UNDERGROUND HYDROLOGY (AQUIFER)

The official denomination of the Todos Santos aquifer was published in the Official
Gazette of the Federation, dated December 5th, 2011, which states the following:
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE FEDERATION
SECOND SECTION
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

AGREEMENT by way of which the unique denomination of the aquifers recognized

in territory of the United Mexican States is established and informed to the general
public, by the National Water Commission (Comisin Nacional del Agua, CNA), as
well as the standardization of aquifer names used for the issuance of concessions
or assignment titles, or permits granted by this decentralized body.
STATE
BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

KEY
313

UNIQUE DENOMINATION
TODOS SANTOS

KNOWN AS
TODOS SANTOS BCS13

The Todos Santos aquifer has a territorial extension of 164.7 km2. Its geographical
limitations were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, dated August
28th, 2009 (second section), which states the following:
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE FEDERATION
SECOND SECTION
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
AGREEMENT by way of which the geographical location of 371 aquifers in
domestic territory is provided, the mean annual availability of underground water of
282 aquifers is updated, and, for improved precision, the geographical description
of 202 aquifers is modified.
XLV.- HYDROLOGICAL REGION - ADMINISTRATIVE I "PENINSULA OF BAJA
CALIFORNIA" AQUIFER 0313 TODOS SANTOS

26

APEX
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1

WEST LONGITUDE
DEGREES MINUTES
SECONDS
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110
110

12
15
13
12
12
10
9
8
4
3
1
0
4
6
11
12

35.6
16.2
19.3
21.3
26.4
37.1
14.1
5.2
13.4
8.9
55.7
21.5
5.4
19.4
3.8
35.6

DEGREES
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23

NORTH LATITUDE
MINUTES
SECONDS
22
27
28
30
30
32
32
32
30
31
32
32
29
25
24
22

52.3
34.0
28.9
0.8
43.0
7.7
21.9
18.0
57.3
30.9
42.7
15.6
46.3
38.2
37.1
52.3

The main sources for the aquifer replenishment are the General Agustn Olachea
Avils Dam, direct filtration from rainwater on the valley, and infiltration of surface
water runoff into the intermittent streams. During the rain, infiltration is more
noticeable at foothills of high topographic elevations. It is important to mention that
rainfall is scarce; however, there are occasionally cyclone events with abundant
rainfall, which result in rapid aquifer recovery.
The underground water discharge is carried out by way of extraction through wells
and waterwheels, as well as by underground outlets which discharge into the
ocean, and are presently found in a dynamic balance which controls the saltwater
intrusion in the coastal region, avoiding the occurrence of saltwater invasion into
the valleys.

27

Figure 11 shows the limitations of the Todos Santos aquifer.

GEOGRAPHICAL DELIMITATION OF THE TODOS SANTOS AQUIFER

Geographical Location
Latitude North: 23 26 55
Longitude West: 110 13 24

TOPOGRAPHICAL CHART, INEGI: TODOS SANTOS (F12B33) Y EL ROSARIO (F12B23)

Figure 11

28

Figure 12 shows the operation of the aquifer in the Todos Santos valley, which
includes the permeable granular materials limited by the impermeable rocks, in the
central and narrow part of the valley. It can also be observed the saturated zone
which forms the aquifer, and the water surfacing in springs over the margins of the
Reforma Brook, which originates the surface runoff. It also shows the discharge
form of underground water, as well as the direction of the underground flow.

Figure 12. Illustrative sketch of the functioning mode of the Todos Santos aquifer.

Photographs: Left, view of the population settlement and the valley of Todos
Santos. Right, lagoon formed before the mouth of the Reforma Brook into the
ocean.

29

The availability of the Todos Santos Aquifer is negative, it has a deficit (overexploitation) of 151,000 m3; this information was published in the Official Gazette
of the Federation dated July 8th, 2010, which states the following:
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE FEDERATION
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

AGREEMENT by way of which the results of the studies of the mean annual
underground water availability are informed for 44 aquifers in the United Mexican
States, which are part of the indicated hydrological regions:
HYDROLOGICAL-ADMINISTRATIVE REGION I PENINSULA OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
KEY
AQUIFER
R
DNCOM
VCAS
VEXTET
DAS
DEFICIT
VALUES IN ANNUAL MILLION CUBIC METERS
STATE OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
0313
TODOS SANTOS 18.4
14.7
3.851039
16.3
0.000000
-0.151039

Where: R: mean annual replenishment; DNCOM: compromised natural discharge;

VCAS: concessional volume of underground water; VEXTET: extraction volume of
underground water consigned to technical studies; DAS: mean annual availability
of underground water.
Based on the above, the regulatory and administrative authority for the vital fluid
(the National Water Commission) does not grant new concessions by direct
assignment. The only option for having aquifer water for any activity is the
acquisition of user titles which have a valid concession title; another option is by
way of the perforation of brackish wells located on coastal zones, or even direct
seawater intakes for desalination process.

30

SURFACE HYDROLOGY (SPRINGS)

In the case of surface water (springs), the study zone is classified as having a
DEFICIT, without the legal possibility of granting concessions by direct
assignment, and as opposed to underground water, the only option here for
obtaining any volume of surface water for any activity is to acquire the user titles,
which include a valid concession title.
It is important to mention the mean annual availability of surface water published in
the Official Gazette of the Federation dated November 1st, 2011, which states the
following:
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE FEDERATION
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
AGREEMENT by way of which the mean annual availability of surface water is
updated for the water basins of La Pursima, Mezquital Seco, Santo Domingo,
Bramonas, Santa Rita, Las Pocitas-San Hilario, Conejos-Los Viejos, Melitn
Albaez, La Matanza, Caada Honda, Todos Santos, Pescaderos, Plutarco E.
Calles, Migrio, and El Carrizal, which are part of the Hydrological Region number
3, South-West Baja California.
TODOS SANTOS HYDROLOGICAL BASIN: AVAILABLE VOLUME AT THE
OUTLET, 0.00 MILLION CUBIC METERS. CLASSIFICATION: (DEFICIT).
The available volume indicated in the above paragraph includes the source of the
El Salado Brook, up to its mouth into the Pacific Ocean.
The Todos Santos water basin has a surface water source of 164.7 square
kilometers and is limited to the north by the La Matanza and Caada Honda water
basins, to the east by the Pescaderos water basin, to the south by the Pescaderos
water basin, and to the west by the Caada Honda water basin.
The Todos Santos aquifer has 3 springs, denominated San Juan (23 28' 41.65''
latitude north and 110 12' 36.79" longitude west); San Regis (23 27' 37.84'' N
latitude north and 110 13' 25.16" longitude west); and El Salado (23 26' 11.75''
latitude north and 110 10' 17.35" longitude west).

31

Following is the throughflow table performed by CONAGUA in 2007 (date

unknown), and those carried out recently on the Jurez Dam canal:

DATE
2007
JUNE 1, 2012 (14:00 HRS)
JUNE 6, 2012 (19:00 HRS)

OBTAINED THROUGHFLOW RESULT

(LTS/SEC)
195
110
140

The La Reforma Brook is the main runoff with incidence in the study area, it has a
67.097 km2 basin; its main riverbed is 18,159.88 m long, the streams
concentration time is 135 minutes (2.26 hrs), the riverbed slope is 1.71%. A
hydrological study was carried out to determine the design flow for return periods
of 10 and 1000 years, obtaining the following results: 10 years showed a flow of
170.32 m3/sec., with a maximum precipitation of 170.32 mm; the 1000 year return
period presented a maximum design flow of 756.65 m3/sec., with a maximum
rainfall of 369.01 mm.
The geographical coordinates of the throughflow point on the Juarez dam canal
are: 23 27' 13.2" latitude north and 110 13' 29.5" longitude west (figure 13).

32

THROUGHFLOW POINT

Geographical Location
Latitude North: 23 17 13.2
Longitude West: 110 13 29.5

Figure 13

33

IV.

PRIOR GEO-HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES.

The following is a description of the summary of found GEO-HYDROLOGICAL

studies.
a) GEO-HYDROLOGICAL STUDY OF TODOS SANTOS VALLEY,
TERRITORY OF BAJA CALIFORNIA (SOUTH-WEST VALLEYS),
prepared by Tcnicas Modernas de Ingeniera, S.A. for the SRH, in the year
1974.
It corresponds to the geo-hydrological study of information gathered from the study
zone. Its objective was to recognize the hydraulic operation of the aquifers and to
quantify them in order to determine the exploitation and replenishment conditions
which may serve as a base for the establishment of appropriate policies for the
exploitation of its resources.
Regarding the valley of Todos Santos, it was calculated that there was a stored
volume of 33 Mm3, an extraction of 1.0 Mm3/year carried out by way of 9
waterwheels and 15 wells. Replenishment was calculated at 0.5 Mm3/year. It was
cataloged as over-exploited at 0.5 Mm3/year.
b) THE GEO-HYDROLOGICAL STUDY OF THE BASIN OF "VALLEYS OF
THE SOUTH-WEST" IN THE STATE OF BAJA CALIFORNIA, prepared by
Acuaplan, S.A. for the SARH, in the year 1981.
The objective of the work was to define the prevailing conditions at that time in the
aquifers in the south-west valleys of BCS, to quantify them and to define the
salinity of the underground water.
It indicated that at that time the extraction water flow of Todos Santos was
estimated at 2.377 Mm3/year, with a replenishment of 6.1 Mm3/year, and it was
considered to be practically in balance.
c) CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER USERS, TODOS SANTOS AND EL
PESCADERO BASINS, MUNICIPALITY OF LA PAZ, BCS, prepared by the
Rural Program and Social Participation Unit of the National Water
Commission at the Baja California Sur State Management, in the year 2000.
34

This document includes data on the characterization of underground

water users in the El Pescadero and Todos Santos valleys.
For the Valley of Todos Santos, the data in this work indicates that
Acuaplan estimated the replenishment at 3.8 Mm3/year, and that
there were 46 water collection points and that the concessional
volume was 3.034 Mm3/year. The mean annual precipitation used
was 271 mm; the extraction was 1.6 Mm3/year up to the year 1991,
and 3.0 Mm3/year from the year 1992 to 1999. It mentions the 3
existing springs with a volume of 584 to 600 Mm3/year, and with a
recorded abatement of 1.22 meters.
d) HYDROMETRIC DATA OBTAINED BY THE CNA. The information
provided by the Underground Water offices of the CNA at BCS shows the
throughflow data of the year 2007, at the following locations of the Todos
Santos aquifer:
Jurez Dam canal: Q = 195 Ips
e) Study carried out to determine the feasibility of underground brackish
water extraction for desalination at the following aquifers: Migrio,
Plutarco Elas Calles, El Pescadero, Todos Santos, and Caada Honda,
B. C. S.", prepared for the Local Direction of CONAGUA by the company
LESSER Y ASOCIADOS, SA DE CV, in December 2007, which states the
following in chapter 10:
CHAPTER 10.- AVAILABILITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH NOM-011
The mean annual availability of underground water was determined
by applying the specifications and method indicated by the Official
Mexican Standard NOM-011-CNA-2000, denominated Conservation
of the water resource, which establishes the specifications and
method for determining the mean annual availability of domestic
waters, in its relative fraction of underground waters.

35

In accordance with said standard, the mean annual availability is

obtained by the total replenishment minus the natural compromised
discharge and the concessional water volume inscribed in the Public
Registry of Water Titles (Registro Pblico de Derechos de Agua,
REPDA).
Todos Santos.
For this aquifer, the mean annual replenishment at the balance zone
is 17.09 Mm3/year. A natural compromised discharge was
considered, which corresponds to the underground outlet to the sea,
and rises up to 1.15 Mm3/year, plus the spring water, which
corresponds to 12.56 Mm3/year. On the other hand, the concessional
underground water volume inscribed in the REPDA was 3,851,039
m3/year on October 31st, 2007, in accordance with the publication in
the Official Gazette of the Federation. Therefore, the mean annual
availability of underground water is as follows:
Mean annual
availability of
underground
water m3
508,961

Mean annual
replenishment

18,070,000

Compromised
discharge

Concessional
volume

13,710,000

3,851,039

The exploitation of the spring water which is discharged into the sea
(300 Ips) is recommended, as that spring water is presently
unexploited, and corresponds to the surface runoff water. There is
apparently no availability; however, the extraction of underground
water is lower than the concessional amount, which currently
translates into a positive storage change.

36

V.

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE STUDY

PROMOTER.
How has the aquifer changed during the last 50 years?
Based on the historical information of the Todos Santos aquifer, the
underground waters (wells) have not suffered substantial changes, and
present a deficit of 151,000 m3, which represents 0.83% with respect to
the mean annual replenishment. The extraction depths remain at the
standard of 10 to 30 m depth.
Regarding surface waters, if we compare the date from the throughflow
calculated by CONAGUA, at present, the San Regis spring does not drain,
and the canal at the highway crossing does not drain either, and the
present throughflow carried out at the Jurez dam has a flow of 140 lps,
which is 55 lps lower; however, here we must consider some variables
which might have incidence, such as the time of year and season of the
throughflow carried out by CONAGUA. Despite the above, we may
DEDUCE that there is a reduction in the discharge water flow of the
surface water.
Moreover, if we take the flow of 140 Ips as a constant surface water
discharge flow, we can extract an annual volume of 4'415,040 m3, which is
the current concessional volume for CONAGUA; and what is even more
favorable is that based on the decree dated November 1st, 2011,
CONAGUA must not grant more concessions, and only transmission to
users with a valid concession title may be authorized.
Are there multiple aquifers in the Todos Santos area?
NO, there is only one aquifer.
Generally, how much water is there in the aquifer?
It is important to highlight that the present document is based on the offsite information and 2 on-site throughflows which were carried out in
order to estimate the volume present at the spring, which data was
included in the body of the present document. In order to determine the
37

availability of the underground water, it is necessary to carry out various

studies (geophysical, well throughflows, etc.), which provide real and
current information on the zone. Moreover, if we consider the throughflow
carried out, as well as the publications cited from the Official Gazette of
the Federation, it is established that the aquifer has a minimum annual
availability of 22 million m3.
How are aquifers replenished?
The replenishment or recharging of the Todos Santos aquifer is by direct
infiltration of rainwater on the valley, as well as the infiltration of surface
water runoff into intermittent streams; an important replenishment source
is the Santa Ins Dam.
If the present draught continues, how long will the water supply last?
If we consider that the study expresses that the aquifers stored volume is
33 million m3, with a simple arithmetic operation we could calculate that
there is sufficient water to last 10 more years.
What occurred in the 50s which made the aquifer change, and caused the
closure of the sugar cane refineries in Todos Santos?
The main problem presented was the low selling price of the product, as
well as the introduction of other agricultural products which allowed
harvesting 2 crops per year using less water. Independently of the above,
sugar cane was a product which used a lot of water for its development
and production.
Detail of the water acquisition restrictions.
Article 27 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States
establishes that the property of land and water included within the limits of
domestic territory correspond originally to the Nation.
and any Mexican, company or trust which is legally incorporated may
carry out the acquisition of water volumes; it is important to mention that
concessions are not granted to foreigners.
38

Does the Domestic Waters Law limit the extraction of surface and underground
water?
YES, THERE ARE RESTRICTIONS. The main restriction at the Todos
Santos aquifer is that there is no availability of the underground and
surface water. The only option there is in order to obtain water volumes is
the acquisition of titles by way of water transmission from users with
valid concession titles. ATTENTION: despite the option of acquisition of
water volumes from third parties, CARE MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE
NEGOTIATING SUCH VOLUMES, as the legal status of the title must be
verified (to make sure it is valid), the location of the providing well and
acquiring well of the title must be verified, the distance between the
closest well to the point where the new well will be constructed, because
CONAGUA has the criteria of there not being any well within 1,000 m of
the new one.
Is it possible to acquire a water title and leave it at its present location until a
final location is defined for the extraction well?
In order to apply for a title transfer in CONAGUA, if you wish to leave the
well at the current location, you must validate the property where the well
is located; and in this case, the land where the well will be located must
be purchased, or you must have a lease contract with the current owner,
in order to transfer the well to the permanent location later; if these
documents are not available, the transfer will not be authorized. It can be
requested to CONAGUA (with prior authorization) to save the volumes for
future use; a term of 60 days will be granted to define the location of the
new water source, as well as the exploitation initiation date.
When a water title is acquired, is it necessary to demonstrate the extraction
method and the location where the water will be used, and to have a permit to
do so before CONAGUA grants a title in your name?
When a file for a title transfer is incorporated, the characteristics of the
new well must be stated (perforation depth, perforation diameter, casings
and discharge), such as if an electric or combustion motor will be used,
the type of pump to be used (vertical, submergible), the purpose for which
the water will be used, the map or plan of new works to be carried out,
39

etc. (Annexed form #CAN-01-013, authorization for transfer of registration

titles, this document details the requirements of the 13 PAGESprocedure).
Is it possible to extract water from the Todos Santos aquifer in order to transfer
it through a pipeline to Pescadero?
NO, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS, as that is only carried out
when required for human consumption, and it is by volume assignments
of the municipal or state government.
How is it possible to obtain a CONAGUA report of the granted water titles?
The following is a list of the presently granted titles.

40

UNDERGROUND WATER CONCESSIONS (WELLS)

No.

TITLE NO.

01BCS101733/03APOC08

JESS VALADEZ AMADOR

43,000

01BCS101745/03APOC08

ALFONSO GULUARTE SALGADO

85,000

01BCS101759/03IPDL08

HERIBERTO PARRA HAKE

20,000

01BCS101771/03AMDL08

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, RURAL

DEVELOPMENT, FISHING AND AUGMENTATION

100,000

01BCS102104/03GPDL09

AMADA CASTRO VDA. DE MARTNEZ

1,500

01BCS102408/03APGR97

MARA GUADALUPE CASTAEDA PELATOS

21,000

01BCS104291/03APDL09

KAREN RODRGUEZ BREMEN

36,800

01BCS104892/03ILGE02

E DEMETRIO VICTORINO SALGADO VILLALOBOS

3,000

01BCS105487/03CPDL09

WENCESLAO, JACINTO AND CLEMENTE

GARRIDO GONZLEZ

2,000

10

A1BCS100192/03GMGR95

RAL SALGADO BELTRN

3,000

11

A1BCS100511/03HSGR95

POTABLE WATER SYSTEM AND MUNICIPAL

DRAINAGE OF THE LA PAZ MUNICIPALITY

1,010,000

POTABLE WATER SYSTEM AND MUNICIPAL

DRAINAGE OF THE LA PAZ MUNICIPALITY

4,000

12

TITLE HOLDER

WELL VOL.

13

A1BCS101059/03IPGE95

CARLOS ARNAUT OJEDA

3,000

14

A1BCS101349/03GPGE96

DHELMA BELN AND MARICELA SANTA ANA

OSUNA

3,000

15

A1BCS101516/03IPGR96

HAPPY, OSCAR AND JOHN MORENO RUTOWSKI

20,000

16

A1BCS101517/03 APGR96

RODOLFO, MANUEL, YOLANDA, VALENTE,

TERESA, ROSA, BLANCA, FRANCISCO JAVIER
AND MARTIN SALGADO VILLALOBOS

32,000

17

01BCS104753/03APDL09

MIGUEL LOGAN CARRASCO

30,000

18

01BCS105122/031 MGE06

BANCO INVEX, S.A. INSTITUCIN DE BANCA

MLTIPLE, INVEX GRUPO FINANCIERO

19

01BCS101780/03APDL10

SUSANA MICAELA MAHIEUX DUBOT

51,100

20

1BCS102195/03CPGE97

BANCO INTERNACIONAL, S.A.

3,000

21

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE

50,000

22

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE (MALDEORIN)

300,000

23

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE (LA PRADERA II)

240,000

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE (LAS PRADERAS)

196,000

25

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE (SAN JUAN)

25,000

26

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE (TEZCALAMA)

350,000

27

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE

70,000

24

01BCS101514/03ISGR03

1,000,000

41

No.

TITLE NO.

TITLE HOLDER

WELL VOL.

28

A1BCS101397/03IPGE96

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE

3,000

29

1BCS102088/03GPGE96

LEN VALADEZ AMADOR

1,500

30

01BCS104292/03SPGE99

MARTHA OLIVIA SALGADO GUERRERO

4,750
3,711,650

SURFACE WATER CONCESSIONS (SPRING WATER)

No.

TITLE NO.

TITLE HOLDER

01BCS103261/03AHDL09

ASSOCIATION OF USERS OF THE IRRIGATION

UNIT OF TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE

01BCS105057/03ABDL09

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE

2,360,000

01BCS105305/03AODL07

TODOS SANTOS COOPERATIVE

1,445,400

TOTAL CONCESSIONAL VOLUME:

WELL VOL.
570,000

4375,400

Is it possible to obtain information about the rainfall in the Todos Santos area in
the past 75 years?
CONAGUA has records only since the year 1961, which are included in
page 11 of the present document.
May we ask you to have a look at the concrete infrastructure that was recently
built, north of the town, to see if it may have an impact on the surface water?
If this refers to piles (bridge support structures) intended for the
construction of the beltway, I will mention that there is no impact on the
surface water, as the San Regis Spring presents free runoff, which comes
from the mountain slope.

42

OUTLET WORKS TO THE NORTH

Photographs: Piles for bridge construction

Is it recommendable to perform any type of maintenance for the area (cleaning

or dredging) in order to obtain water from the dam?
The dredging recommendation would be exclusively for the areas which
do not have vegetation (do not deforest the area), in order to avoid a high
percentage of evaporation generated by contact with solar light and high
temperatures.

43

VI.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions.

At present the aquifer is in relative balance, regarding both underground and

surface water.
Generally, the depth at water level has been maintained without change over the
last 3 decades. It is located around 5 meters deep at the coastal line, between 20
to 30 meters inland.
Based on the analysis of results from the studies previously carried out, it is worth
mentioning that generally there are no noticeable variations; although the water
level responds clearly to rainfall, and is more significant in the cyclone seasons
presented periodically every 6 to 10 years.
The geographic location of the Todos Santos Aquifer has an advantage because it
is in a zone where the incidence and nearness of hurricanes is presented year by
year, and leaves precipitation which maintains its stability, as well as an important
source of replenishment, such as the Santa Ins Dam, the largest of the 5 dams
built in the state.

44

Recommendations.
Considering that the draught is a generalized problem, our personal
recommendation would be that Todos Santos is a good place in which to invest,
given its weather conditions, as well as the fact that it is a source of surface and
underground water, which gives it an added investment value.
We recommend the re-use of waste water, and in the case of a project expansion,
desalination should be considered.
It is important to actively participate in the care and maintenance of the
underground and spring waters, including to promote the creation of a surveillance
council along with CONAGUA, in order to supervise that the concessional volume
extractions are in accordance with the authorization granted, and to avoid a
possible over-exploitation of the aquifer, which may cause its degradation and
saline intrusion.

45

VII. ANNEXES

Form #CAN-01-013, authorization for transfer of registration titles, this

document details the requirements of the 13 PAGES-procedure.

Drawing 1 of 2, includes the location of wells and springs on the INEGI chart,
scale 1:50,000.

Drawing 2 of 2, includes the location of wells and springs on Google images.

46