Institutional options for managing extraction and externalities in a large groundwater basin with heterogeneous users

James Skurray

    Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

    239 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    [Truncated abstract] The Gnangara groundwater system underlies approximately 2,200 km2 of the Swan Coastal Plain in Western Australia and is under unprecedented stress due to reduced recharge and increasing over-extraction. Perth, Western Australia (pop. 1.7m) derives 60% of its public water supply from the Gnangara system. Horticulture and domestic self-supply are other major consumers of Gnangara groundwater. The system supports important wetlands and groundwater-dependent ecosystems, many of which are vulnerable and threatened. Stored reserves in the superficial aquifer fell by 700 GL between 1979 and 2008. Over a similar period, annual extraction for public supply increased by more than 350% from the system overall. Some management areas are over-allocated by as much as 69%.
    Original languageEnglish
    QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
    Publication statusUnpublished - 2013

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Institutional options for managing extraction and externalities in a large groundwater basin with heterogeneous users'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this