Urban Sinkhole Inventory

The most important aquifer in Puerto Rico is in the north coast limestone. However, this same aquifer system receives urban stormwater runoff via numerous sinkholes and drainage wells. Because stormwater runoff is an important component of aquifer recharge in this region, a sinkhole inventory was performed to better understand the extent to which urban stormwater contributes to ground water recharge. The inventory focused on sinkholes with drainage areas significantly influenced by urban areas. The inventory provided valuable information regarding sinkholes problems and the urban area contributing to the aquifer via sinkholes.