ABSTRACT
Coastal aquifers constitute important sources of fresh water in many parts of the world, especially in arid and semiarid zones. Oen, coastal areas are also heavily urbanized, a fact that makes the need for fresh water in such areas even more acute. However, the proximity and contact with the sea require special attention when planning the management of such aquifers. In fact, in many coastal aquifers, the intrusion of sea water has become one of the major constraints on groundwater management. As sea water intrusion progresses, the part of the aquifer close to the sea becomes saline, and pumping wells close to the coast start pumping saline water and have to be abandoned. Also, the area above the intruding sea water wedge is, usually, lost as a source of fresh water (by natural replenishment).
