Does groundwater abstraction cause degradation of rivers and wetlands?

There is a widely held belief that, over the last few decades, many rivers and wetlands have been significantly degraded. Clearly, groundwater abstrac tion has had a detrimental effect. However, other pressures such as channel isation, sedimentation, reduced rainfall, poor site management or land-use change can be contributing factors. Various policy responses are reviewed a nd some examples are given. It is concluded that, whilst groundwater abstra ction does cause river and wetland degradation, the degree of degradation o ften depends upon the individual perspective; therefore a rigorous approach is required in quantifying such degradation and its actual causes, beginni ng with the establishment of clear objectives and the collection of appropr iate data.