Beneath Earth's Surface, Unveiling Waters: A Visual Exploration of Groundwater in the Guarare River Watershed (Panamanian Pacific Coast) for Enhanced Management Strategies.

Abstract

Water is an essential resource that sustains all forms of life, ecological systems, and agricultural activities, ensuring overall human well-being. To manage this resource responsibly, it is crucial to understand its availability and distribution. This study focuses on the Guarare River basin in the Azuero region on the Pacific coast of Panama, where cities have experienced a decline in water availability over the past forty years. By comprehensively exploring groundwater distribution in the Guarare River basin, this research contributes to the scientific understanding of local hydrological systems and the practical implementation of resilient water management policies. Using GIS tools, this study considers factors such as drainage density, soil type, geology, land cover, and elevation to identify the distribution of groundwater, which aligns with registered wells in the area. By addressing the challenges of declining water availability and anticipating potential risks associated with extreme climate events, this research aims to promote a sustainable approach to water resource management, ensuring the continued well-being of ecosystems and communities in the Azuero Region.