Agua subterránea en Norteamérica, un caso de estudio: riesgo de contaminación y uso de los manantiales en San Simón Almolongas, Oaxaca, México.

The countries of North America are facing water sanitation difficulties, which have affected rural communities and indigenous populations the most. The different uses of water sources complicate things more, since the use of contaminated water considerably affects the access and availability of sufficient, acceptable, affordable water. In this scenario, the research project identified the use and risk of contamination of springs in San Simón Almolongas, Oaxaca, Mexico. The main results indicate that the water is predominantly used for human consumption and agriculture, and that potential factors of contamination exist, such as the use of fertilizers and housing without proper drainage. This makes it necessary to strengthen management systems and institutions to properly handle the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]