Strategy for Managing Depleted Aquifers

Abstract

Although the engineering basis for managing depleted aquifer systems has been theoretically established, governmental management of such systems has been slow to develop, due to various economic, legal and institutional constraints. New Jersey, one of a number of states facing severe groundwater problems, has been successful in developing an approach which will reduce user withdrawals from depleted aquifers, while requiring all users to contribute to the cost of the necessary alternative surface supplies. Conjunctive use arrangements, water conservation, and recharge will be facilitated by this approach.