Drought and Water Quality in a Semi-arid Area: Effects in Livestock Production, Agriculture and Use Urban

The Santo Domingo aquifer, located in northwestern Mexico, consists of sedimentary rocks (limestone, shales-sandstones, conglomerates) and alluvial sediments. Thirty-two well samples were analyzed for major ions, and data from four meteorological stations were used to determine drought indices. The SPI-12 analysis indicates recurrent mild to moderate droughts, impacting agricultural production. Drought leads to reduced rainwater collection, increased fertilizer use, and higher groundwater extraction for livestock. Water quality for human consumption ranges from slightly to highly contaminated, exceeding Mexican sanitary standards for sodium, nitrates, sulfates, total dissolved solids (TDS), and arsenic. High pH and TDS levels affect regional milk production and can cause cattle diarrhea and death. Additionally, arsenic and sulfate decrease cattle weight. The water poses a medium to excessive salinity risk and low to very high sodicity risk, making it progressively unsuitable for irrigation.