Use of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas. Environmental Benefits and Cost Considerations.

摘要

Water resources management is the scientific task of matching water supply to water demand. Indicators show that many regions in the European area already suffer from water stress conditions. Meeting domestic water demand is a top priority and may require water transport to urban centers from rather long distances and from different hydrologic basins, in addition to its costly and energy demanding treatment. The EU recognizes the need and the importance of sustainability and more efficient water management through the Water Framework Directive 2000/60. A significant percentage of domestic water is consumed for secondary uses, which do not require potable water quality. In this paper we study the substitution of potable water by ground water that could be pumped from a rather shallow aquifer, in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, in secondary uses (building cleaning, toilet flushing) and irrigation. It is proved that this solution, which serves the goals of the Water Framework Directive, is economically viable.