Otún River facts for kids
The Otún River (known as Río Otún in Spanish) is an important river located in the Risaralda area of Colombia. This river plays a vital role for the people and nature in its region.
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The Otún River: A Lifeline in Colombia
The Otún River begins its journey high up in the mountains. Its source is Lake Otún, a beautiful lake fed by melting ice and snow from the Nevado Santa Isabel mountain. From there, the river flows downwards until it joins the larger Cauca River.
Where the Otún River Flows
As the Otún River travels, it passes right between two important cities: Pereira and Dosquebradas. A very impressive structure, the César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct, crosses the river at this point. This viaduct is one of the biggest cable-stayed bridges in all of South America!
Providing Drinking Water
The Otún River is super important because it is the only source of drinking water for the cities of Pereira and Dosquebradas. A local water company collects water from the river at a place called Nuevo Libaré. They take a large amount of water, about 1,800 liters (or 475 gallons) every second, to make sure everyone has clean water to drink.
Keeping the River Clean
Keeping the Otún River clean is a big job. Sometimes, farming activities in the area, like pig and chicken farms, can affect the water quality. Also, wastewater from homes can cause some problems. It's very important to protect the river from pollution so that the water stays safe and clean for everyone to use.
Protected Natural Areas
The Otún River also flows through several special protected areas. One of these is the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. These sanctuaries are like safe homes for many different kinds of plants and animals, helping to protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
See also
In Spanish: Río Otún para niños
