Groundwater protection in Mediterranean countries after the European water framework directive

• Published in: Environmental earth sciences Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 537 - 549
• Main Authors: Martínez Navarrete, C, Grima Olmedo, J, Durán Valsero, J. J, Gómez Gómez, J. D, Luque Espinar, J. A, de la Orden Gómez, J. A
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Berlin/Heidelberg : Springer-Verlag 01.04.2008; Springer-Verlag; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; EU directives; Exact sciences and technology; Geology; Groundwater; Groundwater bodies characterization; Hydrogeology; Hydrology. Hydrogeology; Original Article; Pollution, environment geology; Safeguard zones; Studies; Threshold values; Water framework directive; Water resources; Water resources management; Mediterranean region; Iberian Peninsula; Southern Europe; Andalusia Spain; Europe; Granada Spain; Spain; Mediterranean Area; MED, Western Mediterranean; MED; Europe, Mediterranean Region; Safeguard zones; Threshold values; Water framework directive; Mediterranean countries; Groundwater bodies characterization; water body; ground water; protection; pollution; pollutants; water rights; aquifers; water resource management; drinking water; Mediterranean region
• ISSN: 0943-0105; 1866-6280; 1432-0495; 1866-6299
• DOI: 10.1007/s00254-007-0856-x

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) has driven the protection of groundwater and characterization of water bodies. Development of appropriate and efficient approaches which consider the special features of the hydrologic regime is essential. The results of different projects that have been carried out to integrate characterization and protection of water bodies are summarized herein. In the Les eaux de la Mediterranée (AQUAMED) Project, applicability to the Mediterranean Region of guidelines provided by the European Commission to facilitate the WFD implementation has been verified. The Background criteria for the identification of groundwater thresholds (BRIDGE) Project developed a methodology to establish threshold values of pollutants contributing to the chemical status of groundwater bodies. This method has been applied to pollutants used to classify groundwater bodies as at risk of not achieving objectives of the WFD. Selected features of protection areas for drinking water and safeguard zones are analyzed, as well as the possibility of using wellhead protection areas.