Physical vulnerability and exposure to the threat of mass movements of the Culebrillas Drinking Water Systems of the City of Cuenca

Abstract

Introduction: In the city of Cuenca-Ecuador there are several drinking water supply systems, some of which are located in urban expansion areas and exposed to threats. Object: To analyze the physical vulnerability and exposure to the threat of mass movements of the Culebrillas drinking water system, which is located in the urban expansion zone and covers a part of the city. Methodology: A qualitative methodology was applied and an interview form was used with technicians from the Public Telecommunications Company, Drinking Water and Sewerage Company to collect information on each of the vulnerability indicators of the components of the system, which were weighted to obtain a physical vulnerability index, which allowed determining the level of vulnerability, the criteria for weighting the Delphi method was applied Aquaculture and Fisheries and Technical Secretariat for Risk Management. Results: The results indicate that the Culebrillas drinking water system in its components: catchment, has an index of 20 points representing the level of low vulnerability; driving, with 25 points equals low; treatment plant with 19,3 points represent low; distribution, which in turn is composed of the distribution reserve tanks with 25,2 points corresponding to low, and the distribution network with 48,8 points Driving, with fewer tanks and distribution network are in high level areas. Conclusion: This study constitutes a pilot model to evaluate the other systems that supplies the city of Cuenca, as well as, it could be replicated in other populated centers of the country.