Análisis comparativo de metodologías normativas para la estimación del caudal de diseño en sistemas de alcantarillado sanitario en América Latina

Abstract

The normative methodologies employed for estimating the design sanitary flow in Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Argentina were comparatively analyzed, with the purpose of identifying convergences and divergences that hinder technical comparability between sanitation projects in the region. Methodology: A comparative documentary analysis was developed focusing on the mathematical expressions, hydraulic parameters, and normative coefficients used to determine the average flow, the maximum daily and hourly flow, and the design flow, according to the official technical regulations of the five selected countries. Results: Similarities were identified in the estimation of the average flow, based on the relationship between per capita supply, the served population, and the return coefficient. However, differences were evident in the methods employed, especially in the incorporation of temporal variation factors, maximum coefficients, infiltration, and nondomestic contributions. Conclusions: The identified differences reflect varying levels of regulatory complexity and hydraulic safety margins adopted in each country. These findings highlight the need to strengthen technical coherence in sanitary design at the regional level. Likewise, they constitute a relevant input for projects funded by multilateral development organizations that require comparable technical frameworks.