Desalination for securing water productivity in an intensively used coastal aquifer (Campo de Dalías, Spain)

The Campo de Dalias aquifer is a coastal aquifer located in the southeast Spain (Andalucia). Since the 1960s, the area has experienced a spectacular economic development based on the intensive use of groundwater for the irrigation of greenhouse crops, becoming one of the world’s largest areas under greenhouses. This development, however, coincided with a rising groundwater demand from cities and tourism. The resulting fall in groundwater levels and seawater intrusion jeopardizes water security for the local economy based on intensive groundwater use. To remediate this situation, it is expected that from 2014–2015, part of the supply will be obtained from desalinated seawater, so as to reduce withdrawals. The main aims of this study are: first, to detail the water footprint in Campo de Dalias, and its productivity, with a particular focus on agriculture; second, review the process of seawater intrusion; and, finally, analyse the role of desalination as a solution to ensure water security for the multiple water uses and implications for cost recovery in the context of the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD).