Detailed Data
Lake Chapala
Partner Living Lakes
Sociedad de Amigos del Lago de Chapala,
Fundación Cuenca Lerma Lago Chapala
Partner Lake since
2002
Origin
tectonic
Size
1,112 sq. km [km²]
Length, width
82 km, 19 km
Protcted area
Ramsar Protection Status (February 4, 2009)
Water volume
5,500 million of cubic m [m³] (November 2009)
1,300 million of cubic m [m³] (2002)
8,100 million of cubic m [m³] (1970)
Maximum depth
10.5 m
Mean depth
4.5 m
Sea level
1,524 m
Catchment area
52,500 sq. km [km²]
In-flows
4 (RÃo Lerma, RÃo Zula, RÃo Huaracha, RÃo Duero)
Out-flows
1 (River Santiago)
Islands
2 (Isla de Alacrnes, Isla de Mezcala)
Salinity
fresh water
Precipitation per year
893 mm
Mean water temperature
21 °C
Mean air temperature
19 °C
Completely frozen over
never
Location
Mexico
Vegetation surrounding area
81 % agricultural land
Inhabitants in the lake area
11 million people
Biggest problem
decline of water level, pollution, diversion of water for industry, drinking water, irrigation
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