Private Exploitation of the North-Western Sahara Aquifer System

We formulate a hydro-economic model of the North-Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS) to assess effects intensive pumping on groundwater stock and examine subsequent consequences aquifer depletion. This large system comprises multi-layer reservoirs with vertical exchanges, all exploited under open access properties. first develop theoretical account for relevant features NWSAS by introducing, in standard Gisser-Sanchez model, non-stationary demand quadratic stock-dependent cost functions. In second step, we calibrate parameters values using data from over 1955–2000. finally simulate time evolution exploitation an open-access regime. specifically trajectories piezometric levels two reservoirs, natural outlets, modification water balances. find that outlets might be totally dried before 2050.