Groundwater Management

Historically, the issue of managing access to water resources first arose in relation to river water—which is closely tied to prevailing climatic conditions—and water supplied by man-made distribution systems. It is only more recently that the management of groundwater—which is less prone to short-term shortages (except for aquifers associated with surface watercourses)—has been considered. In most cases, access to these groundwater resources is on an individual basis, with each user (particularly agricultural users) accessing them through drilling at the exact location where they are needed. However, these groundwater resources also require management, as they are increasingly being exploited and, in some cases, even overexploited.

This module addresses the issue of groundwater resource management by first presenting the contributions of each physical science discipline (geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, isotope analysis) and their tools for understanding aquifers (in terms of geology: outcrops, boreholes, well logging, seismic profiles, etc.; in hydrogeology: piezometry, pumping tests, intake/discharge points, withdrawal volumes, etc.): geometry, structure, and hydrological functioning.

He then discusses the importance of groundwater for the various uses for which it is drawn. The economic value of groundwater is thus examined in this section (Qureshi et al., 2012). The challenges involved in determining the volume of groundwater abstractions and the methods used to identify them are also outlined.

He then describes the various problems posed by aquifers: current or future overexploitation of groundwater, deterioration in groundwater quality, the threat of saltwater intrusion, soil salinization, etc.

Finally, it lists the various methods for rebalancing groundwater supply and demand. First, it outlines ways to increase water supply (active groundwater management, substitution between resources) or to prevent the contamination of high-quality water by lower-quality water. Examples: active management of karst aquifers (the Lez system), artificial recharge (e.g., the Seine catchment fields in Paris), inter-seasonal/inter-annual recharge (Llobregat, Catalonia), recharge using wastewater (California), and dams designed to prevent the contamination of freshwater by saltwater.

Second, it outlines solutions that address water demand. These solutions are rooted in two drivers of individual decision-making that can sometimes be combined: the maximization of individual utility and participation in a society that fosters “prosocial” behaviors. The study will explore solutions that directly affect groundwater demand (pricing, quotas, market-based trading of water rights) as well as indirect solutions (purchasing land to create a sanctuary for a resource in need of protection; agricultural or energy policies that can positively or negatively influence the growth of individual withdrawals, etc.).

Have a thorough understanding of the various aspects of groundwater management: an understanding of the multidimensional nature of groundwater management; knowledge of the various tools that can be used to better manage aquifers; familiarity with different groundwater management scenarios; and the ability to analyze the factors contributing to the success or failure of management efforts.

Various instructors (faculty members and at least one professional) participate in this module, which combines lectures (and a tutorial) with presentations by master’s students who are assigned—in groups of 2 to 3 or individually—specific cases or questions that illustrate the course material. The course will be taught in French. However, presentations (oral or written) may be delivered in English if students prefer.

Required prerequisites*:

There are no specific prerequisites due to the interdisciplinary nature of this module.

Recommended prerequisites*:

Some possible interpretations:

Molle, F., López-Gunn, E., and Van Steenbergen, F. “The local and national politics of groundwater overexploitation.” In *Water Alternatives*, 2018, 11(3), pp. 445–457

Hérivaux, C., and Gauthey, J. The Benefits of Groundwater Protection: Why and How Should They Be Valued in Monetary Terms? French Agency for Biodiversity, Paris, September 2018, 72 pp., https://professionnels.afbiodiversite.fr/fr/node/339

Rinaudo, J.-D., Holley, C., Montginoul, M., and Barnett, S. *Sustainable Groundwater Management: A Comparative Analysis of French and Australian Policies and Implications for Other Countries*. Springer, 2020 (the book from which most of the case studies are drawn) https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030327651

Also, don't hesitate to watch movies or documentaries on the subject. Here are a few suggestions available on the website: http://www.water-alternatives.org/

The assessment of knowledge consists of three parts:

• An evaluation of the preparatory work for the module that was assigned to each participant (or to pre-designated groups of participants): Each group is asked to submit, before the start of the module, a report (typically four pages in length, supplemented by an evaluation grid for the groundwater management case study they were asked to address).
• During class, students will be called on individually to present part of their preparatory work.
• Finally, students will be required to submit an individual written assignment at the end of the module to demonstrate their mastery of the concepts and ideas explored throughout the module. This assignment must be submitted by a specific deadline.

Physical and human aspects, economic assessment, supply-side management, demand-side management

Physical and human aspects, economic valuation, supply and demand management