June 1992
Special Issue: Planning for Groundwater Development in Arid and Semi-arid Regions
Original Articles
WATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR EGYPT
Mahmoud Abu Zeid
Abstract: Egypt is a very arid country, where only 3.4% of the area is inhabited. Water is a major constraint to the country’s development. This paper reviews surface and groundwater availability in Egypt, various types of water users and requirements and current water use policy. The role of reuse of treated wastewater and drainage water in satisfying the country’s future water demands is outlined. Water quality and environmental aspects of surface and groundwater development are also discussed.
Pages: 76-86
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722537
WATER RESOURCES AND THE FUTURE OF ARID LANDS
Abdu A. Shata
Abstract: During the past 40 years arid land areas, occupying more than one-third of the land surface, have received special attention in an attempt to develop and to exploit the existing natural resources including water. The lessons learned during that interval reflect the continued need to integrate national and international efforts, directed to improve methodologies of computation and conservation of surface runoff water, to support all trials to develop adequately the regional aquifer systems and eventually to enhance the role of the scientific organization involved in arid zone research.
Pages: 87-97
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722538
THE PLANNING PROCESS FOR GROUNDWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
A. Leusink
Abstract: Groundwater development has long been directed to satisfying the demands without taking into account the scarcity of this natural resource. As a result groundwater resources are being over-exploited in many areas, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Sustainable water resources development requires a broader scope and an integrated approach to water resources planning. Relevant elements in integrated water resources management are water conservation, the role of surface water, water quality, demand and supply management, institutional organization and the role of the beneficiaries.
Pages: 98-102
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722539
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT
W. H. Van der Molen
Abstract: The water balance forms the base for groundwater management. Inputs and outputs should be analysed according to their nature and quantified as accurately as possible. Over-exploitation of aquifers will inevitably lead to a decline in water levels, and often also to an increase in salinity. Overcharging may cause waterlogging, in (semi-)arid regions mostly associated with soil salinization. Groundwater models are indispensable tools to predict the changes caused by human interference. In case of scarcity of data, simple models will be as effective as more sophisticated ones. A checklist summarizes the points to be considered in planning groundwater schemes, both for the case of overpumping and for the case of overcharging. Two examples are given, both dealing with over-exploitation: salinization of a coastal aquifer (India) and groundwater mining in a continental region (USA).
Pages: 103-112
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722540
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT
Asit K. Biswas
Abstract: Groundwater plays, and will continue to play a critical role in satisfying water requirements of most arid and semi-arid countries. Thus, sustainable ground water development and preservation of groundwater quality should receive priority attention. This paper outlines the process through which environmental impact assessment of groundwater development projects can be carried out in arid and semi-arid developing countries. An appropriate framework for environmental impact assessment is suggested. It is recommended that such impact assessment should be at the centre of any good groundwater development and management plan.
Pages: 113-117
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722541
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GROUNDWATER PLANNING: IMPLEMENTATION AND FEEDBACK
Albert Tuinhof
Abstract: Groundwater development plans are based on hydrogeological consequences of simulated scenarios with time-dependent elements. Control and monitoring of the implementation of the plan is essential in order to verify the assumptions on which it is based and to collect the information needed to update and improve the plan after a number of years. Effective monitoring requires a clear institutional setting which balances inputs from the central government and delegation of tasks to lower administrative levels and the water users. An effective licence system is one of the important operational tools. A system of feedback is needed to guarantee that the information is returned to the planning agency for update of the plan.
Pages: 118-125
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722542
GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT IN EGYPT
Kamal Hefny, M. Samir Farid and Mohamed Hussein
Abstract: The expected global climatic changes in the environment may control the yield of the Nile and increase the occurrence of drought periods. Therefore developing other water resources, of which groundwater is the most important, for irrigation,domestic and industrial uses is necessary to meet Egypt’s increasing water demands. Nowadays groundwater is widely used in Egypt and is becoming an integral part of the national policy. The groundwater development is controlled mainly by economic and quality considerations.
Pages: 126-134
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722543
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN UPPER EGYPT
Fatma A. R. Attia
Abstract: A variety of groundwater development schemes have been implemented in Egypt. In the Nile Valley floodplain groundwater schemes are either to supplement surface water deficits or to solve drainage problems. Previous investigations have indicated that the major economic return from conjunctive use projects is from drainage. Accordingly, the groundwater development plans for the Nile Valley gave first priority to tubewell drainage. This paper discusses the economic evaluation of a groundwater scheme designed essentially for land drainage. Results indicate that tubewell drainage is economically the most feasible solution, if pumped water is allocated for irrigation.
Pages: 135-144
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900629208722544
Guidelines for development and management of groundwater resources in arid and semi‐arid regions