State, market or community failure? Untangling the determinants of groundwater depletion in Copiapó (Chile). Issue 2 (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rinaudo, Jean-Daniel; Donoso, Guillermo
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 35:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Chile -- collective management -- governance -- groundwater depletion -- water policy; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2017.1417116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

Abstract: This article analyzes the factors that explain why groundwater can be over-exploited despite the existence of sophisticated water laws, institutions and effective state agencies responsible for water management. The analysis is based on a case study conducted in the Copiapó Valley in northern Chile. Based on an analysis of water use data, policy documents and interviews with a variety of stakeholders, the article highlights the state's failure to perform some of its key missions and the ineffectiveness of groundwater users' associations in water management despite a very supportive legal framework. The article concludes with some recommendations on how ensure long-term sustainable groundwater use.