The aim of this book is to document for the first time the dimensions and requirements of
effective integrated groundwater management (IGM). Groundwater management is a formidable
challenge one that remains one of humanity's foremost priorities. It has become a largely
non-renewable resource that is overexploited in many parts of the world. In the 21st century
the issue moves from how to simply obtain the water we need to how we manage it sustainably for
future generations future economies and future ecosystems. The focus then becomes one of
understanding the drivers and current state of the groundwater resource and restoring
equilibrium to at-risk aquifers. Many interrelated dimensions however come to bear when
trying to manage groundwater effectively. An integrated approach to groundwater necessarily
involves many factors beyond the aquifer itself such as surface water water use water
quality and ecohydrology. Moreover the science by itself can only define the fundamental
bounds of what is possible effective IGM must also engage the wider community of stakeholders
to develop and support policy and other socioeconomic tools needed to realize effective IGM. In
order to demonstrate IGM this book covers theory and principles embracing: 1) an overview of
the dimensions and requirements of groundwater management from an international perspective 2)
the scale of groundwater issues internationally and its links with other sectors principally
energy and climate change 3) groundwater governance with regard to principles instruments and
institutions available for IGM 4) biophysical constraints and the capacity and role of
hydroecological and hydrogeological science including water quality concerns and 5) necessary
tools including models data infrastructures decision support systems and the management of
uncertainty. Examples of effective and failed IGM are given. Throughout the importance of
the socioeconomic context that connects all effective IGM is emphasized. Taken as a whole this
work relates the many facets of effective IGM from the catchment to global perspective.
