Panama Lakes Water Quality Modeling Study
Abstract
The Panama Canal Authority operates the Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the isthmus of Panama allowing for the passage of ocean-going vessels. The canal has a length of 30 km and is capable of traversing vessels up to 294 m long with maximum drafts of 12 m Most portions of the canal are above sea level in a man-made reservoir, Gatun Lake. The Canal, its associated reservoir and the lands adjacent to them are administered by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). ACP is currently investigating the feasibility of expanding the canal system by constructing additional reservoirs to increase water availability for navigation. Currently, Gatun Lake and Lake Madden produce adequate quantities of water for navigation, power generation, and water supply. However, there is concern that an increase in the number of ships using the Canal in the future, coupled with drier conditions, could result in situations where there is inadequate water for canal operations ACP is studying up to three new reservoirs to the west of Gatun Lake. The reservoirs of the western watershed are Rio Indio, Cano Sucio, and Code del Norte (or Toabre). Waters from these reservoirs would be transferred via channel and tunnel to Gatun Lake. The purpose of this study was to assess what the expected water quality would be in the proposed reservoirs of the western watershed and what might occur due to interbasin water transfers from the proposed reservoirs to Gatun Lake with respect to the existing water quality. This report discusses the modeling results and offers conclusions and recommendations on the various scenarios simulated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416501
Entities
People
- Barry W. Bunch
- Billy E. Johnson
- Maria S. Sarruff
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center