Las Vacas River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Las Vacas River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Guatemala |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Guatemala City 1,800 m (5,900 ft) 14°37′46″N 90°29′09″W / 14.629314°N 90.485888°W |
| River mouth | Tributary of the Motagua River 400 m (1,300 ft) 14°52′26″N 90°23′42″W / 14.873961°N 90.394864°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | Gulf of Honduras |
The Las Vacas River is an important waterway in Guatemala. It begins in the mountains on the eastern side of Guatemala City. From there, it flows towards the northeast. Eventually, it joins the Motagua River, which is a much larger river.
Contents
Las Vacas River: A Guatemalan Waterway
Where the River Flows
The Las Vacas River starts high up in the mountains. These mountains are located on the eastern edge of Guatemala City. As the river flows, it moves in a northeast direction. It finally meets the Motagua River where three different areas meet. These areas are the departments of El Progreso, Baja Verapaz, and Guatemala. In its last few kilometers, the river forms a natural border. It separates the Guatemala department from the El Progreso department.
The Challenge of Water Pollution
Sadly, the Las Vacas River faces a big problem: pollution. A lot of wastewater from Guatemala City flows into the river. This makes the water very dirty. Because of this pollution, there is very little aquatic life in the river. This means few fish or other water creatures can live there. The dirty water from the Las Vacas River then flows into the Motagua River. This adds to the pollution of the Motagua River itself. Eventually, this pollution reaches the Gulf of Honduras. It harms the ocean environment there.
The Las Vacas Hydroelectric Dam
There is a special structure on the Las Vacas River. It is called the Las Vacas Hydroelectric Dam. This dam is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) northeast of Guatemala City. It is in an area called Chinautla. The dam is near the border with San Pedro Ayampuc. Here, another small river, the Quezada River, joins the Las Vacas River. Hydroelectric dams use the power of flowing water to create electricity.
See also
In Spanish: Río Las Vacas para niños
