Water Resource Investigations: Port-au-Prince Metropolitan Region, Republic of Haiti
Summary — This technical note presents water resource investigations conducted in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region of Haiti. The investigations focus on characterizing the hydrology of Tunnel Diquini and Source Mariani, and developing a groundwater flow model for the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac aquifer to guide water supply planning and management.
Key Findings
- Tunnel Diquini is the largest single source of water for Port-au-Prince, supplying approximately 26% of the municipal water system.
- Source Mariani is the second largest single water source, supplying approximately 17% of the municipal water system when in operation.
- The Plaine du Cul-de-Sac aquifer provides at least 25% of the water supply for Port-au-Prince from 26 municipal wells.
- High intensity precipitation events and ENSO cycles are critical for recharging both bedrock and alluvial aquifers.
- Water quality of the aquifer systems is a concern due to changing land use and inadequate waste management.
Full Description
This technical note details water resource investigations in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region, Republic of Haiti. The investigations include a hydrogeological characterization of Tunnel Diquini, the largest single water source for the Port-au-Prince municipal water system, focusing on its hydrology and relationship with groundwater and surface water systems. A similar characterization was conducted for Source Mariani, the largest naturally flowing spring and second largest water source. Additionally, a groundwater flow model was developed for the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac aquifer, one of Haiti's largest aquifers, to understand hydraulic parameters, recharge dynamics, and surface water/groundwater interactions. The objective is to improve understanding of critical water resources and guide informed planning and investments for sustainable water supplies.