Elevating Community Infrastructure
For enthusiasts of civil engineering, the construction process of Las Catalinas' potable water tanks has been truly awe-inspiring. We recently had the opportunity to discuss the intricacies of this remarkable undertaking with engineer Andrés González R. to gain deeper insights into the construction process.
Behind the Scenes of Las Catalinas' Potable Water Tanks Construction
Both water tanks will be nine meters tall and are being assembled puzzle-style with vitrified steel sheets. Each tank consists of eight rows of sheets and each row has eighteen steel sheets. Seven rows are 120 cm² by 250 cm and one row has steel sheets measuring 60 cm by 250 cm. 12,600 screws will be used to secure the overlapping sheets. 840 tubes of special silicone that is non-toxic and resistant to chlorine will be used.
Sustainable Solutions
With the introduction of this potable water tank, the objective is not to escalate water extraction from the aquifer, but to enhance town’s water storage capacity. The aim is to meet the current demands while upholding a surplus flow, ensuring continuous operation in the face of mechanical failures or unforeseeable circumstances. This approach encapsulates the conservation of the aquifer recharge zone, a cornerstone of the Las Catalinas development model. By allocating 80% of the property as a forest, essential ecosystem services such as carbon capture, water replenishment to the aquifer, and the enhancement of biodiversity are promoted.
Las Catalinas recognizes water as a fundamental resource for human consumption, environmental balance, social, economic, and educational development and remains, committed to managing water sources in harmony with nature, and encourages responsible actions in the use of water resources.