ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the similarities and differences in the aquifers and groundwater supply. It considers the impact of human activity and climate change on the availability and quality of groundwater, now and in the future. Mediterranean countries present many common features and, at the same time, a considerable variability in terms of climate, water and land resources as well as development issues. These features include arid and semi-arid climates, limited water resources, agricultural development related to water availability, and the high economic and social value of water. The particularities of the Mediterranean basin have been addressed by international organizations dealing with all types of problems including those related to water problems. One of the main problems of using more water than is being recharged to the groundwater is the salinization of the coastal aquifers in the Mediterranean basin. Excess water consumption also leads to waste production, which percolates down to the groundwater, polluting the aquifer.