Uso racional y sostenible de los recursos hídricos del acuífero del valle de Toluca

Groundwater is the primary water source in the valley of Toluca, this demand has been accompanied by the over-exploitation of the aquifer, the disappearance of wetlands and a significant risk to long-term groundwater quality. Implementing groundwater management and protection measures needs quantitative appraisal of aquifer evolution and effects based on detailed multidisciplinary studies, which have to be supported by reliable data. As a first step towards this effort, the main goal of this paper is to outline water management strategies in a more integrated and equitable system in order to move towards sustainable use of groundwater in the valley of Toluca. In consequence, some of the key policy issues in relation to these different aspects of water management are discussed here, as they offer considerable potential to be the catalysts for a wider process of change within water resources policies and management. Finally, the basic steps necessary for sustainable use of groundwater in the valley of Toluca are delineated, such as improving the knowledge base, as well as adopting the ecosystem and adaptive management approaches to managing groundwater; further improving water efficiency and adopting a goal of long-term sustainable use.