WHYMAP - The New Global Map of River and Groundwater Basins

Abstract

A new map of "River and Groundwater Basins of the World" has been prepared to help water resource policy makers and planners visualise, at the broad scale and in general terms, the potential interaction between surface water systems and the underlying groundwater resources for their conjunctive uses. It aims to promote the fact that groundwater has to play an equal part in the management of water resources, since aquifers are a major source for drinking water-supply, agricultural irrigation and industrial production, and are vital for sustaining the natural environment.