Laguna Catemaco - hydrography

Hydrography

Laguna Catemaco is part of the gigantic Papaloapan watershed which drains the Sierra Madre towards the
Gulf of Mexico.

The Laguna form its own subsection of that watershed, and its significance was recognized by the
Mexican government when it declared the lake and its surroundings a protected zone.

The laguna derives most of its waters from streams arising in a small section of the western Sierra Santa
Marta and minor runoff from the San Martin Tuxtla volcano side.

The only outlet for the lake is the Rio Grande, bordering the city of Catemaco.

the watershed

draft

Streams are listed in order.
Arroyo Coyame
Arroyo San Gabriel
Rio Cuetzalapan
Arroyo Escaceba
Arroyo Ahuacapan
Arroyo La Margarita
Arroyo Pozolapan
Arroyo Cuixapan, near La Victoria
Arroyo La Victoria
Arroyo Escuinapan
Rio Grande de Catemaco

The section of Catemaco to Coyame is virtually bereft of streams. From Coyame, to La Victoria, though,
numerous arroyos cross the surrounding roads.

In Catemaco the former arroyos draining the surrounding hills have been channelized to run down main
streets, and the remaining area seems to absorb its water by osmosis.

The most notable river, easily visited by car is the Rio Cuetzalapan rushing down via several waterfalls
from above Miguel Hidalgo in the Sierra Santa Marta. It supports a small swamp, a car wash and
swimming facilities.

The Rio Grande is the only outlet from the Laguna.