Co-sponsored by IAH and FH-DGGV
In the European Union, 38 billion m3 of groundwater are extracted every year for municipal water supply, contributing 2/3 of the drinking-water supply. Industrial groundwater extractions are on the same order of magnitude, whereas the groundwater demand for irrigation agriculture is about 15 billion m3 (1, 2). The main threats for groundwater resources are overexploitation and contamination, with strong regional differences: Groundwater resources in the Mediterranean are affected the most by unsustainable extraction for agriculture, whereas regions with poor chemical status of groundwater coincide with those of intensive agriculture (modulated by soil type) or a long history of industry. Climate change and population growth increase the pressure on water resources. A comprehensive understanding of groundwater resources and competing usages is of crucial importance for its sustainable management, and thus for future water supply and ecosystem functioning.
The proposed session will cover current developments and innovations on the assessment of groundwater resources, projections of future supply and demand, and strategies for sustainable groundwater management. The session will address all aspects of groundwater quantity and quality, ideally with its coupling, relevant for long-term management. Contributions may focus on integrative assessing that includes specific threats (e.g. agricultural contamination, excessive withdrawals, pathogens, seawater intrusion), future projections, the challenges of allocating water to different purposes (municipal water supply, industry, agriculture, ecology). We also welcome contributions on assessing emerging demands (e.g., thermal use of aquifers) and on method developments (e.g., integrative modelling, new monitoring approaches, bio-indicators, isotopic tracers). Technical solutions (e.g., artificial groundwater recharge, in situ treatment ) and management strategies including stakeholder involvement, participatory approaches and the consideration of governance and economic requirements are also welcome.
Integrative contributions will be given preference.
(1) European Environment Agency (EEA), 2022, Europe’s groundwater - a key resource under pressure, doi: 10.2800/629513
(2) https://data.apps.fao.org/aquastat, data for 2021