REGISPRO, a Geohydrological Information System
Water resources management, nature conservation and environmental legislation in general have become very complex in recent years, in particular in industrialised countries. Environmental legislation has developed into a difficult and unpleasant task to many planners at national, regional and local governmental levels, because of the need to reconcile the interests of different users with the functions of certain elements of the hydrological cycle. Groundwater supply for industries and drinking water, nature conservation, recreation, agriculture, pollution control, etc. are examples of such rivalling users with often strongly conflicting interests. Planners, managers and legislators are faced with the difficult task of finding both realistic and economically feasible solutions which hopefully satisfy the needs and demands of all involved parties. Furthermore, thanks to the publicity on ecology and environment, the general public has become aware of the ongoing deterioration of ecosystems and of groundwater quality and is urging policy makers to take firm action.