Reevaluación del caudal de diseño en el Sistema de Riego Checa, Sidcay, Ricaurte a partir del levantamiento catastral de áreas regables actuales

Abstract

In the present study, the design flow rate of the Checa, Sidcay, and Ricaurte irrigation system was reassessed based on a cadastral survey of users’ plots and a multitemporal comparative analysis of land use and land cover changes. Periodic reevaluation of the design flow rate of an irrigation network is a measure that ensures water sustainability, efficiency in water use, and equity in distribution. Its impact lies in providing consistent information for system planning and management, contributing to agricultural productivity and supporting decision-making by the Administrative Board authorities. This research adopted a practical approach due to its applicability to a real issue faced by institutions responsible for water resource management. Hydrological analyses were performed using data provided by NASA POWER, while cadastral information was collected and processed using SW Maps (GPS) and QGIS applications, respectively. Additionally, irrigation parameters were applied to calculate the required flow rate according to national (MAATE) and international (FAO) standards. The results indicate an effectively irrigable area of 354.68 ha, compared to the total surveyed area of 397.77 ha. The reassessed flow rate was 229.29 L/s, revealing a significant oversizing compared to the historical assigned flow rate of 500 L/s. Based on these updated data, the competent authorities will be able to adopt irrigation system modernization measures.