Groundwater Management and Adaptation Decision Making Process

Abstract

Key practical issues concerning adaptation to climate change with respect to groundwater (and water in general) are who actually makes water supply decisions, the role of government in water supply planning, how decisions are made, to what extent and how is climate change information received and acted upon, and the time frame used for planning and capital investments. Water management decisions in the water sector still largely fall within the realm of water users and suppliers, who are responsible for finding means to meet their own water needs (and those of their customers), operating under the purview of governmental agencies that have regulatory authority over water use. Governmental agencies also perform or sponsor research, provide educational services, and may build and operate large-scale water infrastructure. The degree to which climate change adaptation is a consideration of a water utility or other public or private organization depends upon organizational priorities, which are largely driven by organizational leadership engagement. Projected anthropogenic climate change impacts with respect to groundwater for the common 20 to 50-year planning periods are likely small relative to natural climate variability and increases in demands due to population growth.