Groundwater Sustainability Policy.

This sectoral Policy is an integral part of the National Water Strategy 2016-2025. Its main objective is to promote an optimal and sustainable management of groundwater resources to be saved for future generations. It is based on a series of principles necessary to reduce the increasing water demand which is basically satisfied by the use of groundwater. It encourages: the use of treated wastewater, especially in agriculture, in order to protect fresh water resources; the legal use of groundwater shall be made with clear higher priority need, and against fair compensation; protection zones for all groundwater recharge zones shall be delineated and monitored, ensuring that water quality standards are consistently being met; public awareness and participation of stakeholders for an efficient and sustainable groundwater use together with the establishment of a comprehensive national water data bank; cooperation with neighbouring countries for the optimal and sustainable use and management of the shared groundwater resources.