Development and utilization of vulnerability maps for the monitoring and management of groundwater resources in the ARCHIMED areas:presentation of an INTERREG III B project

WATER-MAP is a 2-year project funded under the Community Initiative INTERREG III B ARCHIMED and implemented by nine partners from six countries (Greece, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, and Palestinian Authority). The project looks at the topic of integrated groundwater resources management. The aim is to provide scientifically reliable information to the local authorities in order to develop optimal spatial development strategies. Within the framework of the project, vulnerability maps are generated in order to determine areas where aquifers are in high risk of pollution and thus, support the spatial development planning process. The method used to produce the vulnerability maps is the DRASTIC; the most widely used method. Regional assessment of groundwater vulnerability is a useful tool for groundwater resources management and protection zoning. In addition, a Decision Support System (DSS) with information on land uses, populations etc will also be developed and implemented so as to facilitate and optimize the decision-making process involving the problems of land use, water management and environmental protection. This paper presents the project's objectives, the general characteristics of the Archimed areas and the DRASTIC model in GIS environment including data required and initially encountered problems. Based on preliminary results, it is concluded that, regional assessment of groundwater vulnerability is a useful tool for groundwater resources management and protection zoning.