Published Paper

This report by James K. Adamson, Wm. Javan Miner, Jonas L. Bernasconi (Northwater International) presents the findings of a hydrogeological study of the Plaine des Gonaïves, a 115+ km² alluvial coastal aquifer in northwest Haiti that serves as the primary water source for Gonaïves, the country's third-largest city, and surrounding agricultural communities. Conducted by Northwater International with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Haiti's water and sanitation authority (DINEPA), the study combined an in-depth data discovery effort with a field reconnaissance mission to address the chronic scarcity of hydrogeological data in the region. Researchers compiled historical drilling logs, pumping records, water levels, water quality, and stable isotope data alongside newly collected field measurements to build a baseline understanding of the aquifer ahead of planned municipal water system expansion.

The study found the alluvial aquifer exceeds 100 m in thickness, supports pumping yields as high as 532 m³/h, and is highly heterogeneous, with hydraulic conductivity varying by an order of magnitude across the plain. Significant recharge occurs in the central and upgradient portions of the plain, with river infiltration appearing more important than direct rainfall infiltration, while discharge occurs to the Quinte River, springs, wetlands, ditches, and canals in the downgradient area. The report also flags risks from increased groundwater abstraction, climate change, and the potential resurgence of commercial agriculture and urban development, which could threaten water quantity, water quality, and coastal ecosystems if not carefully managed. The authors present the results as an open-access, FAIR-compliant baseline dataset and conceptual model to guide continued research, monitoring, and sustainable groundwater management in the plain.

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