The persistence of the water budget myth and its relationship to sustainability
Hydrogeology Journal
By: J.F. Devlin and M. Sophocleous
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Abstract
Sustainability and sustainable pumping are two different concepts that are often used interchangeably. The latter term refers to a pumping rate that can be maintained indefinitely without mining an aquifer, whereas the former term is broader and concerns such issues as ecology and water quality, among others, in addition to sustainable pumping. Another important difference between the two concepts is that recharge can be very important to consider when assessing sustainability, but is not necessary to estimate sustainable pumping rates. Confusion over this distinction is made worse by the Water Budget Myth, which comprises the mistaken yet persistent ideas that (1) sustainable pumping rates cannot exceed virgin recharge rates in aquifers, and (2) that virgin recharge rates must therefore be known to estimate sustainable pumping rates. Analysis of the water balance equation shows the special circumstances that must apply for the Water Budget Myth to be true. However, due to the effects recharge is likely to have on water quality, ecology, socioeconomic factors, and, under certain circumstances, its requirement for numerical modeling, it remains important in assessments of sustainability. ?? Springer-Verlag 2004.
Suggested Citation
Devlin, J., Sophocleous, M., 2005, The persistence of the water budget myth and its relationship to sustainability: Hydrogeology Journal, v. 13, no. 4, p. 549-554, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-004-0354-0.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The persistence of the water budget myth and its relationship to sustainability |
| Series title | Hydrogeology Journal |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10040-004-0354-0 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Publication Date | May 28, 2004 |
| Year Published | 2005 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Hydrogeology Journal |
| First page | 549 |
| Last page | 554 |