Vulnerabilidad acuífera como herramienta de política ambiental para la protección de manantiales en Michoacán, México

In Michoacán State, México, the use of aquifer vulnerability assessment methods is growing. Their results can be incorporated in environmental public policies of sustainable development for aquifer protection programs as well as for protection of water bodies related to springs, especially when these bodies are been threatened by anthropogenic activities. The study carried out in Valle de Los Reyes, Michoacán, based on the SINTACS method, permitted the proposal of increasing the protection area of the protected natural area Chorros del Varal. Such proposal was based on the vulnerability assessment, on the role of this area in the local aquifer recharge and on its relevance in the local and regional flow transit. The obtained aquifer vulnerability map shows six contamination risk levels in the range of26-260 points. The area shows medium to high vulnerability. The surrounding area has a very high vulnerability (186-210 points). Low values reflected clayed aquifer environments and scarce fracturing. The vulnerability map was incorporated to the Management Program of the Chorros del Varal Park as a strategic planning tool. Its incorporation insures a more adequate administration of this protected area as well as its natural resources.