Conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water : from spontaneous coping strategy to adaptive resource management

Abstract

The aim of this overview is to provide a strategic guide to current practices of conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water resources for both irrigated agriculture and urban water-supply in the developing world and the great potential that planned conjunctive use has as an adaptation strategy to accelerated climate change. It is primarily (but not exclusively) of relevance to larger alluvial plains, which often possess major rivers and important aquifers with large storage reserves in close juxtaposition although conjunctive use potential can arise in a wider range of hydro-geological settings. Emphasis is put on analysis of the technical, institutional, social, and economic impediments that often exist when attempting to promote more rational and efficient conjunctive use, and on approaches to overcoming them.