The Role of Groundwater in Spain's Water Policy

Cortina, Luis Martínez; Mora, Nuria Hernández

doi:10.1080/02508060308691704

Cited by 11 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Thus, the total amount of irrigated lands considered in such a process increases, as does the perceived difference between water demand and available resources. As a consequence, a new hydraulic project is proposed following the highly unsustainable dynamics, as has been well documented in the Segura basin for more than 100 years (Martínez Fernández and Esteve Selma 2002;Martínez Cortina & Hernández-Mora 2003). In short, the increase in water resources through each new hydraulic project leads to an increasing imbalance between water resources and demand, a counterintuitive behaviour similar to the one described in the Mazarrón-Aguilas dynamic model.…”

Section: Base Scenariomentioning

confidence: 99%

The dynamics of water scarcity on irrigated landscapes: Mazarrón and Aguilas in south‐eastern Spain

Fernández

Selma²

2004

System Dynamics Review

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The new irrigated lands of Mazarrón and Aguilas, south-east Spain, have led to the overexploitation of local aquifers and to seawater intrusion, water salinization and to declining water tables. This paper discusses a dynamic model developed to analyse the key socio-economic and environmental factors driving the whole system. The New Irrigated Lands dynamic model includes five sectors: Irrigated Lands, Profitability, Available Space, Water Resources and Pollution. The dynamic model simulates the environmental effects regarding water consumption by reference to aquifer levels, natural outflows through springs, piezometric levels and aquifer water salinity. The exploration of scenarios shows that current policies based on the increase in water resources do not eliminate the water deficit problem because the feedback loops of the system lead to a further increase in irrigated land and continuation of the water deficit. This demonstrates highly counter-intuitive behaviour. This article constitutes a contribution to the analysis of intensive irrigated lands and water management in Spain, which is mostly lacking a systemic and dynamic approach.

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Section: Base Scenariomentioning

confidence: 99%

The dynamics of water scarcity on irrigated landscapes: Mazarrón and Aguilas in south‐eastern Spain

Fernández

Selma²

2004

System Dynamics Review

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“…The Spanish government knew long ago that groundwater over-drafting was unsustainable (Albiac et al, 2003;Martínez Cortina & Hernández Mora, 2003). Over-drafting can be tackled by reducing demand or increasing surface supplies.…”

Section: Allocating Costs and Benefitsmentioning

confidence: 99%