Ground Water and Surface Water as One Resource: Connectivity and Interaction

Abstract

This discussion paper presents an overview of current understanding of ground water and surface water in terms of quantity and quality, their interaction and connectivity. In the past, groundwater and surface water were managed as if they are separate entities. This led to double accounting by water managers resulting to unrealistic water budgets and general poor management structure of this natural resource. The connectivity and interactions of ground water and surface water were analyzed and found to change with different topography. Understanding the interaction of groundwater and surface water is essential to water managers and water scientists towards provision of cost effective and sustainable water management structure.