Groundwater Policies and Governance in Arid and Semi-arid Regions, (Reviewing Current Policies in Developed Countries)

Groundwater plays an important role in water supply for domestic, industrial, and agricultural demands. In many countries, the irresponsible and excessive use of groundwater has led to serious problems and depletion and destructions of aquifers. In some regions, as a result of pollution, groundwater resources are gradually becoming unusable. Due to climate change and the changing patterns of rainfall, river flows have decreased, therefore decreasing the groundwater recharge rate. This ultimately leads to increased pressure on groundwater resources. Inefficiency and non-effectiveness of current unsustainable practices are often the biggest challenges in water management in arid and semi-arid regions. Ground water governance is essential to tackle the identified challenges. Governance has been adopted to control the sudden rise of groundwater withdrawals. “Water governance” means rules and practices for decision-making about water policy and their implementation, i.e. the range of political, institutional, and administrative processes through which stakeholders articulate their interests. Therefore, concerns are considered, decisions are taken and implemented, and decision-makers are held accountable in the development and management of water resources and delivery of water services. Governance should be seen as a context where integrated water resources management can be implemented.