Climate Change and Water Managment in the Republic of Panama

Using hydrometeorological and climatological data we will show the behavior and the production of the runoff in two selected basins of the Republic of Panama. This paper try to evaluate the trend of rainfall and runoff as consequences of regional climate changes and proposal a forecast about water availability in our country.

For this analysis was selected hydrometeorological data of a Chagres hydrological station, in Panama Canal basin with more than 80 years of rainfall and flow registers. Another station was selected in Bayano basin until the dam with the same name, to the east of Panama City, the flow was registered directly for more than 20 years, and next 42 years of flow was calculated by water balance.

The checkup and analysis of rainfall and flow data was made with graphic tools and recognized statistical methods. At the end a section of conclusions and recommendations are submitted.

As second part of this paper, a summary was elaborated of several studies about estimating of water resource available for the Republic of Panama, focused mainly in basins out of the Panama Canal basin. Taking in account that Panamá is between first five rainiest countries in the world, we will show how much water do we have, how much is for consumptive use, how much is used for navigation, irrigation, electric generations and others. In this paper we research about water availability and water management and the reasons why the public ask for more water.

A brief description of hydraulic works for hydroelectric plants, irrigations systems, drinking water plants and others is shown in this paper and its role in the efficient use of water. Considering the forecast of climate change for our region and the perspective of development of hydraulic infrastructure this paper want to proposal ways for a better water management in Panama.