Social perceptions on water quality in the Laguna de Yuriria, Guanajuato, Mexico

Abstract

This study presents the social perceptions of tourists, local people, government officials, bird watchers, fishermen, and producers of goods and services concerning the management, monitoring, solutions, responsibilities, and condition of the water quality in the Laguna de Yuriria, Guanajuato. The information was obtained through semi-structured interviews and digital questionnaires designed to be remotely applied due to the pandemic caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19). Overall, 71 persons participated. The data obtained were processed with the R package for Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA) and were grouped into the three dimensions of human well-being (material, relational, and subjective). Of the interviewees, 7.05 % considered the water quality to be good, 18.30 % regular, 42.26 % bad, and 12.67 % very bad, while 19.72 % did not know the subject. Government officials consider that the water quality condition is due to poor management and public administration. Bird watchers warn that the water quality is poor, and it affects the biodiversity of species. Most fishermen consider that the water quality is regular and that the lagoon still sustains the economy of their families and the communities of La Angostura and Los Tepetates. This perceptions helped to obtain a social analysis of the lagoon’s water quality. They can be lead to the strengthening and creation of strategies for managing and conserving this water body.