Laguna Alalay is a lake in the Cochabamba Department, Bolivia. At an elevation of 2570 m, its surface area is 2.4 km2. The lake has a flood control dam that regulates floods of the Rocha River.[1] The lake perimeter features a bicycle path and jogging track called circuit Bolivia (Circuito Bolivia).[2]

Laguna Alalay
Location of Alalay Lake in Bolivia.
Location of Alalay Lake in Bolivia.
Alalay Lake
Location of Alalay Lake in Bolivia.
Location of Alalay Lake in Bolivia.
Alalay Lake
Location of Alalay Lake in Bolivia.
Location of Alalay Lake in Bolivia.
Alalay Lake
LocationCochabamba Department
Coordinates17°24′21.7″S 66°08′23.4″W / 17.406028°S 66.139833°W / -17.406028; -66.139833
Basin countriesBolivia
Surface area2.4 km2 (0.93 sq mi)
Max. depth5 m (16 ft)
Surface elevation3,686 m (12,093 ft)
Islandsnone
Map

During the late 20th century, the lake experienced increasing pollution relating to urbanization of the surrounding Cochabamba area leading to eutrophication of the lake.[3] In 1997, a restoration effort was undertaken to remove sediment from the lake, and in 2004 and 2005, floating macrophytes were removed from the lake for use as fertilizer. It was during the same 1997 effort that the bicycle path, bird observatory, and waterfowl conservation area were established.[3] The lake is known for its high diversity of waterfowl.[3]

Map of Cochabamba showing Alalay Lake in the south east of the town

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Laguna Alalay – Cochabamba Bolivia is tourism 2019
  2. ^ (in Spanish) Laguna Alalay
  3. ^ a b c Ayala, Rosemery; Acosta, Francisca; Mooij, Wolf M.; Rejas, Danny; Van Damme, Paul A. (10 July 2007). "Management of Laguna Alalay: a case study of lake restoration in Andean valleys in Bolivia". Aquatic Ecology. 41: 621–630 – via ResearchGate.