Drought as a catalyser of intensive groundwater use

Drought is a climatic phenomenon that occurs all over the world with sometimes catastrophic effects on the populations affected. The lack of water caused by drought may lead not only to great economic loss but also to health risks, and so drought must be approached by the international community as a matter of the greatest concern. This chapter, after briefly examining the main concepts related to drought and the different types of effects that may occur, highlights the need to develop reaction plans to situations of drought. An analysis is made, and examples given, of the fundamental role played by groundwater during such periods. Indeed, groundwater often becomes a vital water source to alleviate the problems that arise during drought. A number of measures to optimise the use of groundwater is proposed. The opposite effect, namely the role played by drought in triggering the intensive use of groundwater, is also discussed. This aspect is significant because the extraction of groundwater frequently continues as a backup source of water after the actual drought has ended.