Governance
Groundwater governance processes take place at multiple scales and geographic levels, from the local, district/provincial and federal-level up to international levels including regional and transboundary scales. Principles for ‘good’ water governance include equitable access, accountability, transparency, stakeholder participation, inclusiveness.
In the majority of jurisdictions today, public or government ownership of groundwater is the norm, and groundwater extraction and use are based on administrative entitlements such as individual permits and licenses. However, in some jurisdictions with sizeable populations, such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines and more than half of the states in the USA, groundwater rights are tied to land ownership and groundwater is regarded as private property.
Transboundary aquifers (i.e. aquifers with segments in two or more countries) require special attention because groundwater pollution and changes in groundwater levels and pressures may have their origin in a neighbouring country. The generation and sharing of data represents a critical first step in cooperation between neighbouring countries, and an important facet of hydro-diplomacy.
Recommendations
In most countries, there are very limited financial resources allocated to the monitoring, management and preservation of groundwater resources. There is an opportunity to better integrate sustainable groundwater development and management as part of other water sector projects and initiatives.
Governments need to fully assume their role as resource custodians in view of the common/public good aspects of groundwater.
Greater integrity and policies that enhance access for smallholders and women have a greater chance of contributing to the common good and achieving sustainable development.