Evaluating the Impact of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions on a Groundwater-Fed Water Supply System: An Exploratory Study in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores, Portugal)

Abstract

Tephra fall is among the set of hazardous phenomena associated with volcanic activity that can impact water resources and services. The aim of this paper is to characterize the potential impacts of tephra fall on the groundwater-fed water supply system of Ponta Delgada (São Miguel, Azores) by comparing two scenarios of explosive eruptions. Vulnerability matrices were used to compute indexes, by multiplying the thickness of tephra fall deposits, corresponding to increasing hazard levels, by descriptors of the water supply system, representing the elements at risk. In a worst-case scenario, tephra covers a large area inland, severely constraining the abstraction of water to public supply, as 84.8% of the springs are affected. In 12 springs the expected hazard level is of perturbation (5157 m3/day; 12.1% of the daily abstraction) or damage (16,094 m3/day; 37.8%). The same trend is observed considering the storage capacity, as 75.4% of the reservoirs may be somehow affected. Moreover, 72.4% of the 68,392 inhabitants served by the water supply system will be in a zone where the damage level will be achieved. Results point out to the need of preparedness measures to mitigate consequences of a volcanic crisis over the water supply.