What Should We Manage: Aquifers or Groundwater?

A hotly debated subject has emerged under the context of transboundary aquifers (TBA). When planning any type arrangement to manage an aquifer spanning two or more jurisdictions, MoU, Minutes, legally binding agreements, etc., what should be managed—the groundwater flowing through aquifer? Is there a trend misunderstanding between terms? In realm hydrogeology, is no dispute on existence clarity about differences and aquifers. However, this does not seem case for law policy literature, which are strong components agreement share TBA. Most concepts relative well known in physical chemical but when and/or traverse other factors, least boundaries aquifers, acquire complex meaning. Groundwater sciences need imbed interrelated aspects with TBA, such as cooperation, collaboration, social interaction, prejudices, asymmetries, shared management, others. new vocabulary, concepts, accuracy terminology have over last 20 years ISARM (Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management). disagreements because cultural, political, economic, factors differ around world. addition its natural boundaries, jurisdictional added Two examples contrasting conceptual definitions Bodies Europe, Administrative Aquifers Mexico. former, defined by (sub-units river basins crossing borders); latter, administrative (delimited basin state geographical within country); both cases neglected management. Through we come point where cannot talk only (being transboundary) while ignoring scales dynamics either flux, storage. The issues arrive plan try implement that case, one used? Well, menu, à la carte; it depends specific conditions local circumstances. We same situation TBA located arid region fossil (e.g., Nubian), compared humid “modern” recharge Guarani). It become contentious defining unit management context. There seems paradigm shift way perceived studied dealing multiple jurisdictions issues; very nature concept still being debated. Should complete considered? One practice requires parsing out dividing them into flow systems identifying their relations each based scientific, social, economic political needs, issues. Another approach claims simpler locally-based scenarios, effective areas could priority using “pumping hot spots.” As constantly evolving, units will further study completed. large small Guarani, Genevese, emphasis (the resource), at time recognizing extent container). Draft Articles Law Transboundary (DA) were adopted UN General Assembly resolution #63 2008 (ILC 2008). This non-legally recommends TBAs, without mentioning (article 14). DA provided definition where: saturated zone considered aquifer, modern recharge, including resources (“utilization includes extraction heat, minerals, storage disposal substance”; art. 2). These would imply groundwater. Management scale closer chosen rather than full aquifer. Managing groundwater, however, elements, e.g., complement knowledge dynamics; these parameters incorporated boundaries. Ideally, privilege time, improve governance avoid misuse (overdraft, land subsidence, contamination).