GROUNDWATER-MANAGEMENT IN FRANCE

Since 1935, France has experienced an evolution from legislation aimed at groundwater protection to regulations concerning water-management incentives for increased use, in selected parts of acquifers, without causing over-abstraction. During the 1960s, the protection of users be came the main priority, and the water agencies have now become powerfu l bodies in the combat against water pollution and towards aquifer reh abilitation. The 1992 Water Act provided a balanced management of wate r resources (a) taking into account the water resource, surface-water and groundwater, and (b) establishing a Water Directorate within the M inistry of the Environment. Reference is made to major achievements in the field of groundwater management and protection in terms of quanti ty and quality.