1. Ecological Use of Groundwater Christine Colvin Environmentek, CSIR, South Africa IAH

2. Springs Seeps Baseflow to rivers and wetlands Stream

3. Groundwater also supports.. Submarine springs Life underground Evapotranspiration from trees

4. Environmental Impacts Pumping reduces discharge Groundwater pathways for pollution

5. Understanding Dependency Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Vital characteristics Quantity of water Quality of water Timing of water

6. Aquifers moderate water supply to the environment… Aquifer Storage Biogeochemical processes Aquifers sustain environmental services & livelihoods

7. Competition with people…. Who can dig deepest & fastest? Balance people’s needs for water and the environment.

8. Science to understand the full picture

9. Understand vital links… Remote sensing Isotopes Nutrient and water modelling rain GW flushing

10. Understand consequences of actions.. Optimal beneficial use Impacts of abstractions Stakeholder trade-offs Informed decisions

11. Urgent action required to.. Recognise groundwater dependent ecosystems Start understanding links Monitor ecological health Seek informed decisions Allocate groundwater to the environment