(a) Aquifer means a permeable water bearing geological formation underlain by a less permeable layer and the water contained in the saturated zone of the formation

The permeability of the underlying layer is less (lower) than that of the geological formation in the aquifer.

Aquifer Natural water bearing geological formation found below the surface of the earth.

In subparagraph (b), the expression each associated with specific geological formations is inserted to indicate that an aquifer system could consist of aquifers not only of the same geological formations but also of different geological formations.

Aquifer means a subsurface water bearing geologic formation from which significant quantities of water may be extracted.

(b) Aquifer system means a series of more than two aquifers , each associated with specific geological formations, that are hydraulically connected

(b) Aquifer system means a series of more than two aquifers , each associated with specific geological formations, that are hydraulically connected

Aquifer means a subsurface layer or layers of rock or other geological strata of sufficient porosity and permeability to allow either a significant flow of groundwater or the abstraction of significant quantities of groundwater.

Aquifer means a subsurface layer or layers of geological strata of sufficient porosity and permeability to allow either a flow of or the withdrawal of usable quantities of groundwater.

Pursuant to article 8, aquifer States shall, on a regular basis, exchange readily available data and information on the condition of the transboundary aquifer or aquifer system, in particular that of a geological, hydrogeological, hydrological, meteorological and ecological nature and related to the hydrochemistry of the aquifer or aquifer system, as well as related forecasts.

As explained in the second report, the draft convention is intended to cover all transboundary aquifers and aquifer systems regardless of whether or not they are related to surface waters.

States shall specially protect sites where groundwater is withdrawn from or recharged to an aquifer.

(d) The effects of the utilization of the aquifer or aquifer system in one aquifer State on other aquifer States concerned

In the light of uncertainty about the nature and extent of some transboundary aquifer or aquifer systems, aquifer States shall employ their best efforts to collect and generate, in accordance with currently available practice and standards, individually or jointly and, where appropriate, together with or through international organizations, new data and information to identify the aquifer or aquifer systems more completely.

(a) With respect to a recharging transboundary aquifer or aquifer system, shall take into account the sustainability of such aquifer or aquifer system and shall not impair the utilization and functions of such aquifer or aquifer system

(c) The population dependent on the aquifer or aquifer system in each aquifer State

Effective management links land and water uses across the whole of a catchment area or groundwater aquifer.

Even if a domestic aquifer or aquifer system is linked to an international watercourse in the territory of a State where such an aquifer or aquifer system is located, it would fall outside the scope of the draft convention.

Under this topic, the Commission is now focusing for the time being on codification of the law on transboundary groundwaters (aquifers and aquifer systems).

Draft article 15 recognizes the importance of cooperation by aquifer States in managing transboundary aquifers with a view to ensuring their protection and preservation as provided for in draft articles 12 to 14 and to maximizing the benefits to the aquifer States through equitable and reasonable utilization of the aquifers.

Thus, only transboundary aquifers and aquifer systems are covered by the draft convention and domestic aquifers and aquifer systems are excluded from its scope.

(c) Transboundary aquifer or transboundary aquifer system means, respectively, an aquifer or aquifer system, parts of which are situated in different States

Aquifer States shall protect and preserve ecosystems within a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system.

The conceptual model provides information on the characteristics of the aquifer and its functioning. It includes a thorough hydrogeological evaluation of the various types of geological materials present in the aquifer. It also includes the illustration of the aquifer and its regional flow, the formulation of the water balance, the identification of recharge and discharge data, and the determination of the aquifer boundaries and its permeability and storage.

One innovative technique is the use of underground dams to capture water flowing in shallow aquifers.

(a) Utilization of transboundary aquifers and aquifer systems

(a) The natural condition of the aquifer or aquifer system

(b) Develop water management plans in transboundary, national and or local contexts, preferably on the basis of catchment areas or groundwater aquifers.

For the purpose of managing a particular transboundary aquifer or aquifer system, aquifer States in whose territories such an aquifer or aquifer system is located are encouraged to enter into a bilateral or regional arrangement among themselves.

They are encouraged to establish a development plan for such aquifer or aquifer system, taking into account the agreed lifespan of such aquifer or aquifer system as well as future needs of and alternative water sources for the aquifer States.

Aquifer States shall, in undertaking other activities in their territories that have or are likely to have an impact on a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system, take all appropriate measures to prevent the causing of significant harm through that aquifer or aquifer system to other aquifer States.

c. Assessing the impacts on groundwater and aquifers of industrial, agricultural, and other activities and

(e) The existing and potential utilization of the aquifer or aquifer system

(f) Non recharging aquifer means an aquifer that receives a negligible amount of contemporary water recharge.

Aquifer States shall, in their respective territories, utilize a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system in a reasonable manner and, in particular

Article 10 Monitoring

The water in a recharging aquifer is a renewable resource and the water in a non recharging aquifer is a non renewable resource.

(e) Recharging aquifer means an aquifer that receives a non negligible amount of contemporary water recharge

When such recharge or discharge zones are located in the territories of States other than aquifer States, aquifer States should seek the cooperation of the former States to protect these zones.

In most cases, the quantity of contemporary water recharge into an aquifer constitutes only a fraction of the main body of water therein, which has been kept there for hundreds and thousands of years.

Aquifer States shall, in their respective territories, utilize a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system in a manner such that the benefits to be derived from such utilization shall accrue equitably to the aquifer States concerned.

The water above the saturated zone in the aquifer, like the water outside the aquifer, is in the form of vapour and cannot be extracted.

In the light of uncertainty about the nature and extent of some transboundary aquifers or aquifer systems, aquifer States are encouraged to take a precautionary approach.

It is conceivable that an aquifer State could pollute a transboundary aquifer but not cause significant harm to other aquifer States or their environment.

When a recharge or discharge zone is located outside the territories of aquifer States and in non aquifer States, it would be difficult to place any obligation on such non aquifer States as they do not benefit from the aquifers.