Water–budget as a tool to evaluate the sustainable use of groundwater resources (Isonzo Plain, NE Italy)

Abstract

Climate change and the necessity to preserve and provide good quality freshwater for human consumption has led researchers to study the aquifers of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (NE Italy) in more detail. Of particular interest is the cross-border Soca/Isonzo River, which contributed to the creation of a remarkable alluvialaquifer. Today more than 300.000 inhabitants are supplied by water withdrawals from water wells which are located in the southern part of the aforementioned aquifer. Taking into consideration the importance of this area for the inhabitants, a groundwater balance was computed also to guarantee the sustainability of the actual use of the water resource.The sustainability of the actual use of the resource comes from the consistency and ratio between recharge and withdrawals. The more detailed and precise the input values in the water balance are, the more conscious is the management and safeguarding of this precious resource, avoiding pauperisation in terms of quantity but especially quality.