ABSTRACT
The European Union has implemented a research plan for sustainable water resources. Thus, sustainable development now has an economic and policy context, with some activities on the international level specifically targeted at groundwater. Some specific policy approaches for sustainable groundwater use may include a range of policy, science and technology options, but will need further analysis before implementing decisions relative to any particular project or program. Economic growth usually applies the measure of current national production, gross national product, as a signal of well-being. The benefits of economic growth policy accrue to the present population, leaving fewer resources for the future with greater costs to fend for themselves with what remains. Recognizing the limits of cost–benefit evaluation in general and as applied to a particular project or program, decision-making should consider just how efficient the decisions are with positive benefit-to-cost ratios.
