Potencial de captación pluvial y su impacto en la gestión hídrica y reducción de riesgos en la ciudad de La Paz
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RevActaNova.
Abstract
Resumen: La ciudad de La Paz enfrenta una creciente presión sobre sus sistemas de abastecimiento de agua potable y evacuación pluvial, agravada por la expansión urbana desordenada y la mayor frecuencia de eventos climáticos extremos. Este estudio evalúa, desde una perspectiva teórica, el potencial de captación pluvial desde techos urbanos como una estrategia complementaria de gestión hídrica y reducción de riesgos. Mediante imágenes satelitales y datos de precipitación, se estimó una captación teórica y bajo condiciones ideales (distribución uniforme de la lluvia en macrodistritos, homogeneidad en características de techos, sin pérdidas por escurrimiento, evaporación, filtraciones o rebalses) de 13,4 millones de m3 año-1 para la ciudad; y de aproximadamente 11,4 millones de m3 año-1, si consideramos pérdidas de hasta un 15%. Este volumen representa potencialmente hasta el 52% de la capacidad total de las represas que abastecen actualmente a La Paz. En términos económicos, se calcula un ahorro potencial superior a 24 millones Bs año-1, con beneficios directos para los hogares, que podrían facilitar la inversión en sistemas de almacenamiento domiciliario. Además, se analiza la capacidad del sistema propuesto para mitigar escurrimientos urbanos durante lluvias intensas. Los resultados sugieren que la captación pluvial urbana es una alternativa viable y alineada con principios de resiliencia climática urbana.
Abstract: The city of La Paz is facing increasing pressure on its potable water supply and stormwater disposal systems, exacerbated by uncontrolled urban expansion and the increased frequency of extreme weather events. This study evaluates, from a theoretical perspective, the potential for rooftop rainwater harvesting as a complementary water management and risk reduction strategy. Using satellite imagery and precipitation data, a theoretical rainwater harvesting potential was estimated under ideal conditions (uniform distribution of rainfall in macrodistricts, homogeneous roof characteristics, and no losses due to runoff, evaporation, filtration, or overflows) of 13.4 million m3 year-1 for the city; and approximately 11.4 million m3 year-1 if losses of up to 15% are considered. This volume potentially represents up to 52% of the total capacity of the dams currently supplying La Paz. In economic terms, potential savings of over 24 million Bs year-1 are estimated, with direct benefits for households, which could facilitate investment in home storage systems. In addition, the proposed system's capacity to mitigate urban runoff during heavy rainfall is analyzed. The results suggest that urban rainwater harvesting is a viable alternative aligned with urban climate resilience principles.
Abstract: The city of La Paz is facing increasing pressure on its potable water supply and stormwater disposal systems, exacerbated by uncontrolled urban expansion and the increased frequency of extreme weather events. This study evaluates, from a theoretical perspective, the potential for rooftop rainwater harvesting as a complementary water management and risk reduction strategy. Using satellite imagery and precipitation data, a theoretical rainwater harvesting potential was estimated under ideal conditions (uniform distribution of rainfall in macrodistricts, homogeneous roof characteristics, and no losses due to runoff, evaporation, filtration, or overflows) of 13.4 million m3 year-1 for the city; and approximately 11.4 million m3 year-1 if losses of up to 15% are considered. This volume potentially represents up to 52% of the total capacity of the dams currently supplying La Paz. In economic terms, potential savings of over 24 million Bs year-1 are estimated, with direct benefits for households, which could facilitate investment in home storage systems. In addition, the proposed system's capacity to mitigate urban runoff during heavy rainfall is analyzed. The results suggest that urban rainwater harvesting is a viable alternative aligned with urban climate resilience principles.
Description
Vol. 12, No. 1