High density of population (1250 persons/km2) and livestock (300 head/km2).
• Heavy dependence on groundwater for public supply and agriculture.
• Complex landuse with multiple cropping and small landholdings.
• Semi-arid Mediterranean climate with low and variable infiltration (<200 mm/year).
• Two aquifers, ‘perched’ and ‘mean sea level’ (MSL) separated by impermeable clay.
• Water level in MSL aquifer depressed to 5 m above sea level by abstraction
