I the last decades Copiapó river valley has experienced a strong demand for groundwater resources due to mining and agriculture industries increasing necessities. Within this frame Frutícola y Exportadora Atacama Company asked us for a study to identify favorable areas to get new sources of groundwater supply in Nantoco sector.

In order to fulfill the task, a groundwater exploration and evaluation study was conducted using complementary geophysical techniques such as electrical tomography and gravimetry, integrating them with hydrogeological field data and previous studies in the area.

The hydrogeological study conducted and the prospection made were useful to define the main aquifer units and the basement in the sector of interest. This allowed to specify areas with greater hydrogeological potential and better points to drill new wells. These wells were made according to the technical specifications defined in this study. Pumping tests were conducted in these wells showing the same estimated pumping capacity.