Applying piezometric evolution indicators to facilitate stakeholder's participation in the management of groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Case study: Fuente de Piedra playa lake (southern Spain)

摘要

The impact derived from the exploitation of natural resources can be quantified using statistical indicators. We analyse the groundwater level evolution of jeopardised aquifers using the Temporal Variation Index and the Piezometric Situation Index. The application of both piezometric indicators to the aquifers linked to the Fuente de Piedra playa lake (southern Spain) allows us to investigate their suitability to manage groundwater resources in order to preserve its associated ecosystems. The results obtained showed that the aquifers, a detrital aquifer enclosed within Miocene-Quaternary rocks and two carbonate aquifers formed by Jurassic units, show a dissimilar piezometric level drop. In the Miocene-Quaternary aquifer various sectors are under strong pressure and piezometric levels do not recover after rainy periods. In the Jurassic aquifers, the piezometric level drops continuously over time. In view of these results, we recommend an urgent limitation of the groundwater extraction from the carbonate aquifers. This case study proves that piezometric indicators constitute a valuable tool to managers and stakeholders for identifying sectors affected by overexploitation and, thus, help to design management strategies and public participation to preserve these types of ecosystems in the future.