Information's role in adaptive groundwater management

Abstract

This chapter draws on a case study of rural water supply schemes in India to highlight the importance of information in facilitating adaptive management of groundwater resources. The chapter begins with a discussion of the diversity of state structures and processes of information gathering that support public policy formulation. The chapter outlines public policy responses of the India State to the challenge of declining water tables and quality. Some of the gaps in the science and practice of groundwater management are discussed by critically examining some of the assumptions guiding policy interventions in rural water supply. The subsequent discussion discusses the potential role information can play in facilitating adaptive groundwater management; links between aquifer characteristics, water quality and health impacts and potential for ICT's to facilitate accountability are discussed. The importance of local capacity for information management is emphasised with a view to informing discussions on development of incentive systems that enable adaptive water resource management. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.