Project ID: 2005HI125G

Title: Coastal Groundwater Management in the Presence of Positive Stock Externalities

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Hydrology, Economics, Ecology

Keywords: Coastal Aquifers, Estuarine Ecosystems, Groundwater Externalities

Start Date: 09/01/2005

End Date: 08/31/2008

Federal Funds: $148,021

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $184,150

Congressional District: HI 1

Principal Investigators:
Kaeo Duarte
University of Hawaii

James A. Roumasset

Abstract

Methodologies exist for groundwater management where aquifers are exhaustible and groundwater extraction can lead to well salinization. Also, management with substitute freshwater sources such as desalting of saltwater from wells or the sea has been previously examined. These methodologies focus on the benefits of groundwater to water consumers. However, in coastal areas, groundwater also provides ecosystem services that have not been incorporated into groundwater management strategies. A notable example is the discharge of freshwater to nearshore environments. This project will provide a methodology for maximizing the value of groundwater, where the stock of groundwater affects the health of nearshore ecosystems.

Progress/Completion Report