Water utilization in a river basin in the Lake Poopó region of Bolivia : problems and conflicts.

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the distribution of hydrological resources over time and space in two sub basins of the Lake Poopó area in Bolivia. This investigation is made in order to evaluate how supply and demand can be balanced and what effect the insufficiency of hydrological resources has on the socio economic situation. The two main problems in the area regarding water resources, are the variations over time and space and the contamination. A long history of mining industry without environmental regulations has lead to contamination of water and soil. The precipitation varies both seasonally within the year and also from year to year. In order to evaluate the situation, the water supply and demand was estimated. The total water resources in the study area would not have to be insufficient if quality and distribution over time and space could be improved and controlled. Water storage and support to the small mining industry could accomplish this. The main hindrances for improvement are the poverty and general low level of education. If water quality of and accessability to the water does not improve, leading to additional income sources, the area will depopulate, become entirely dependent on the mining industry and completely die out if or when the mineral deposits dry out