As with surface water, groundwater use is highly dependent on a host of legal institutions such as:

  • Existing normal and customary rights regimes
  • Legislation that specifies access, allocation and quality
  • Regulations that control planning & zoning
  • Laws and statutes that protect recharge areas, potable water sources, riparian corridors and habitats and endangered species
  • Enforcement directives
  • Pricing and use regulations
  • Mandates for public participation and transparency
  • International treaties, agreements & protcols

Resources