Water sources soon to be a problem in Punta Cana
The success of the Punta Cana beach resort and residential area has spurred many developers to want to join in the bonanza. The Ministry of Tourism has followed the trend, authorizing new developments, including many high rises in the area. Population in the area has doubled in recent years. More people are relocating to Punta Cana attracted by the employment and opportunities generated by the tourism boom in the eastern coastline strip.
Now, a report in Diario Libre by investigative journalist Mariela Mejía takes a look into a reality few people are addressing. The Punta Cana area does not have abundant water sources. The report highlights that saltwater is mixing with drinking water as underground wells are overexploited.
“The increase in population in the eastern part of the country and the high demand for water by resort complexes have led to an increase in saline intrusion in the underground currents of that region,” writes Mejia. She says the presence of brackish water has increased to more than six kilometers away from the coastline, signifying an advance of three kilometers compared to what was measured in 2002, according to studies.
Source: DR1, DiarioLibre
July 18, 2019
Category: DR News |