Management of groundwater resources in transboundary territories (on the example of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia)

Groundwater,  as a source of water supply, the most important mineral and geopolitical resource, , is often the only source of high-quality drinking water that is protected from pollution under conditions of increasing deterioration of surface water quality. Transboundary groundwaters are the focus of hydrogeological researchers for a number of reasons, including the reduction and pollution of water resources as a result of economic activities. The increased controversy between states over transboundary water issues has necessitated  the development of international legal documents on issues related to water conflict prevention and the sustainable use of fresh water. As part of the analysis of the problem of legal regulation of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers and complexes, it is proposed to consider this aspect on the example of Russia. The problems of regulation of rational use and protection of fresh water in the bilateral  treaties of the Russian Federation were revealed; a methodology for the management of groundwater extraction in the territory of the transboundary aquifer  was developed, the size, parameters, and factors influencing the formation of the transboundary zone have been determined (based on research and analysis of water intake activities in the border areas of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia) were determined

Some Aspects of Groundwater Resources Management in Transboundary Areas

According to UN experts, by 2030, about half of the world’s population will suffer from a shortage of fresh water, which may cause future hostilities and conflicts. In this regard, extraction of such a valuable mineral as groundwater must be rationally managed. However, practice has shown that managing and protecting the groundwater resources is a very challenging task. As part of the analysis pertaining to the problem of legal regulation of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers and complexes, it is proposed to consider this aspect on the example of Russia. The problems of regulation of rational use and protection of fresh water in the bilateral agreements of the Russian Federation were identified; a methodology for managing groundwater extraction in the territory of a transboundary aquifer was developed, dimensions, parameters and factors affecting the formation of a transboundary zone were determined (using the example of research and analysis of water intake activities in the border territories of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia)