Wednesday. Early start to get to the Irapuato campus. We spent the morning in the classroom learning about 21st century water issues in Mexico. The first presentation was from Dr. Manuel Enrique Romero Valdez, who discussed efficient use of water in agriculture. In Mexico, the amount of water available for consumption is decreasing, while the demand is increasing. Agriculture receives the highest distribution of water (77.8%), followed by domestic consumption (11.5%), and industrial (8.5%). Approximately two-thirds of water comes from wells and the rest comes from surface collection. In agriculture, 87% of water comes from wells. |
Some of the principal problems surrounding water is the inefficient use of it, the exploitation of water coming from wells, the growth of cities requiring more and more water, and the antiquated water equipment. The University of Guanajuato is researching better use of water consumption by crops by exploring level ground irrigation (contour strips), hydroponic agriculture practices (drip/leak irrigation,) and the use of technical software—regulating nutrition of plants in irrigated areas (much more efficient use of fertilizer and water). |
Next, we heard from Dr. Garciela M.L. Ruiz-Aguilar, an environmental engineer who researches industrial and domestic water problems in Guanajuato. She discussed some of the problems of pollution that come from common water sources (household and industry). With the decrease in the water supply, Guanajuato needs to define strategies to bring sustainable systems. Right now, they have problems with old hydraulic systems and lack of effective and efficient waste water treatment plants. |
In addition, the public is not knowledgeable about these water problems and feels that because they pay for water, they should have it. However, these subsidies prevent people from understanding the true cost of water, and there is limited investment recovery or new investment. The University of Guanajuato is conducting research about water treatment and how to make the final product usable. Dr. Ruiz-Aguilar, in particular, is studying the use of fungus in this process. |
Lastly, we heard from Dr. Eduardo Salazar Solls about water, economy and society. Approximately 80% of diseases in humans are related to poor water quality. There is a “high water deficit” and the Mexican government is trying to stop well extraction. One solution has been dams, such as the Zapotilla Dam that serves both the States of Jalisco and Guanajuato. However, this is a very expensive solution. Dr. Salazar is researching how society can respond. For instance, it is known that 6% of forests on the Earth’s surface capture 50% of rainwater. (Guanajuato has only 5% of its original forests left.) One solution to increase water is through reforestation. There are many other solutions that need to be explored. |
After our presentations, the students were assigned topics that they could work on together with the University of Guanajuato students. Then it was off to the fields. We traveled to a local ranch where we met with the “President” of the farmers’ association there. He discussed the various policies and practices they have in place related to water consumption and irrigation. The crop closest to where we were was barley and the intent was to sell this harvest locally. We learned about various crops that are grown in this association. |
From the ranch, we drove to a nearby water treatment plant in Irapuato, probably the most aromatic parts of our field experiences. We learned about the four-step process for water treatment and got to go into each of the areas to look at the processes up close. By the end of the fourth step, the water is clear enough to be released back into the rivers and streams for agricultural consumption. It was an eye-opening experience for students, many of whom had never been to a water treatment facility in the United States |
Our last stop---the Purisima Dam. Although we did not see the actual dam, we got a chance to hear from both the manager and the secretary of the farmers’ association that regulates the water for the region. It was interesting to be introduced to so many issues about water and water consumption and how it not only impacts Mexico but the United States as well. Sam reminded us that if we do not work together to solve water problems and issues, we will certainly be impacted by the lack of produce and other products coming from Mexico. |
Another good day of working together with the University of Guanajuato to explore environmental and ecological issues. Our work over the remaining two days will be to begin looking at solutions to these problems. Tomorrow, we visit the Green Giant Plant and a local food processing company. Remember to visit the students' blog about the trip at http://mexicoblog2013.wordpress.com/ |