Groundwater: The Invisible Resource

Groundwater in Spain remained a free resource until 1985, when it became regulated by a complex administrative regime. This regime, together with inefficient water use, has led to overexploitation, salination and other forms of contamination of underground water supplies in some southern, south-eastern and central areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Ecologically important wetlands in these regions have also been affected. This article analyzes the causes of groundwater mismanagement and proposes a new management model based on the formation of communities of users of the same body of groundwater. These communities would share management responsibilities with the water administration authority according to a new set of norms and measures aimed at ensuring sustainable use.