The hydrodinamic and hydrochemical responses of three springs (Villanueva del Rosario, Pita and Parroso)
located in the Alta Cadena carbonate aquifer (province of Malaga, South Spain) have been monitored
from September 2006 to January 2008. A first interpretation on the hydrogeological functioning and on
the karst network development has been performed, which is useful for groundwater protection. Thus,
Villanueva del Rosario spring drains a part of the Alta Cadena aquifer more karstified than the catchment
area of the other two springs. This means that catchment area of Villanueva del Rosario spring is more
vulnerable than the other to the contamination and consequently it needs more strict protection criteria