Multidisciplinary approach to a karstic region for the use and protection of the water resource. Application to the Causse de Sauveterre (south of France)

A hydrogeological study was carried out between 2002 and 2004 for the Natural Regional Parc of Grands Causses, France, on the western part of the Causse de Sauveterre (including Causse de Séverac, Causse du Massegros, totalling 400 km² with 23 communities and about 100 springs). The objectives of this study were to assess the water resources within major karst systems and to characterize the sensitivity of the water resources to human activities. A multidisciplinary study of the karst hydrogeology was carried out (including geology, geomorphology, geochemistry and hydrology) on 18 major springs that were equipped with gauging stations. Water catchments were delineated based on geological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and tracer tests. The results will allow the implementation of the statutory protection perimeters for drinking water resources.