Ecological Use of Groundwater
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Transcript of Ecological Use of Groundwater
Ecological Use of Groundwater
Christine ColvinEnvironmentek, CSIR, South Africa
IAH
Springs
Seeps
Baseflow to rivers and wetlands
Stream
Groundwater also supports..
Submarine springs
Life underground
Evapotranspiration from trees
Environmental Impacts
Pumping reduces discharge
Groundwater pathways for pollution
Understanding Dependency
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems
Vital characteristicsQuantity of water
Quality of water
Timing of water
Aquifers moderate water supply to the environment…
Aquifer Storage
Biogeochemical processes
Aquifers sustain environmental services
& livelihoods
Competition with people….
Who can dig
deepest & fastest?
Balance people’s
needs for water
and the
environment.
Science to understand the full picture
Understand vital links…
Remote sensing
Isotopes
Nutrient and water modellingrain
GWflushing
Understand consequences of actions..
Optimal beneficial use
Impacts of abstractions
Stakeholder trade-offs
Informed decisions
Urgent action required to..
Recognise groundwater dependent ecosystems Start understanding links Monitor ecological health Seek informed decisions Allocate groundwater to the environment