Comparative application of two methods (COP and PaPRIKa) for groundwater vulnerability mapping in the lez karst system (Montpellier, South France)

Abstract

A comparative test of two vulnerability mapping methods (COP+K and PaPRIKa) specifically developed for karst aquifers have been applied to Lez karst system located in the South of France. The Lez spring is captured for water supply to the town of Montpellier and the surroundings and it is managed in an active way, through pumping boreholes. The mean pumping rate is around 1300 l/s. The catchment area is about 350km2 with 110 km2 of limestone outcrop. Due to the importance of resource of this Mediterranean karst system, the vulnerability mapping is part of a decision support tool to cope with water management and land use projects. The obtained results of the comparison of the two methods are discussed to identify major differences and draw some recommendations in terms of methodology and validation of the vulnerability map.