Journal of Aquifer and Qanat
In collaboration Iranian Hydraulic Association

Comparative Comparison of Groundwater Governance Strategies in the Last Two Decades

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad sadegh Talebi 1
Mojtaba Samadi Nejad Astahbanati 2

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Meybod, Meybod, Iran.

2 MSc Student, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Meybod, Meybod, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22077/jaaq.2026.11741.1152
Abstract
Groundwater is recognized as one of the most vital sources of drinking water supply, agriculture, and industry in many regions of the world, and in recent decades, it has faced increasing pressures due to population growth, development of irrigated agriculture, climate change, and increasing water demand. In many countries, excessive exploitation of aquifers has led to a decrease in groundwater levels, land subsidence, salinization of water resources, and a decrease in the sustainability of water-dependent ecosystems. In such circumstances, the concept of groundwater governance as a framework for sustainable management of groundwater resources has received widespread attention from policymakers and researchers. The aim of this study is to examine and compare groundwater governance strategies in the last two decades, focusing on the experiences of different countries and analyzing new management trends. The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical and based on a review of policy documents, international scientific studies, and reports of global organizations. The results show that over the past two decades, groundwater governance approaches have moved from centralized government management to participatory models, adaptive management, economic instruments, and multi-level governance. Countries such as Australia and the United States, which have used a combination of regulatory policies, stakeholder participation, advanced monitoring systems, and economic instruments, have been more successful in controlling resource extraction and sustainability. In contrast, countries such as Spain, which have faced institutional weakness, lack of a clear legal framework, and lack of social participation, have faced a severe aquifer depletion crisis.

Keywords

Water governance
groundwater
water resources management
water policy
sustainable aquifer management
adaptive water management
Subjects
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Journal of Aquifer and Qanat
Volume 7, Issue 1
August 2026
Pages 201-220

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