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

(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

(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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

(a) Utilization of transboundary aquifers and aquifer systems

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

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

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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

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.

In this case, the principle of sustainable utilization does not apply since any extraction of water in such an aquifer depletes the resource and in the end destroys the aquifer.

Subparagraph (a) of this draft article relates to the utilization of transboundary aquifers and aquifer systems by the aquifer States in which they are located, in the absence of an agreement that allows other States to do so.

Aquifer States shall identify recharge zones of a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system and, within these zones, shall take special measures to minimize detrimental impacts on the recharge process and also take all measures to prevent pollutants from entering the aquifer or aquifer system.

It should also be noted that an aquifer State's non exercise of its right to utilize the aquifer should not prejudice the right of the other aquifer States to utilize it on the grounds that such utilization would be inequitable.

(d) Aquifer State means a State Party to the present Convention in whose territory any part of a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system is situated

Aquifer States shall undertake to establish plans and implement these plans for the proper management of a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention.

(c) Measures of protection, preservation and management of those aquifers and aquifer systems.

He proposed deleting the word harmonized from draft article 10, paragraph 1, since the establishment of universally applicable standards and methodologies for monitoring a transboundary aquifer or aquifer system might impose too great an obligation on aquifer States and, given the differences between aquifers and aquifer systems in the respective aquifer States, might not be practical.

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.

States have sovereign rights over the natural resources located within their jurisdiction and aquifer States are entitled to utilize aquifers and aquifer systems within their territories.

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.

Three draft articles on protection and preservation of aquifers precede an article on management.