Mapping assessment of social vulnerability to groundwater pollution at the Gallocanta Groundwater Body (Aragón, Spain)
Main Article Content
Abstract
Social vulnerability when facing pollution of groundwater resources is related to the population dependence on them to assure water supply. The analysis of social vulnerability includes key socio-economic factors in order to assess the potential impact of a pollution event in a certain area over population and assets. In the present study, social vulnerability of the Gallocanta Groundwater Body (Aragón, Spain) is analyzed and mapped. This analysis provides a detailed insight of the area and it allows the use of the resulting maps as supporting tools in the decision-making process, specially, related to water management. The results show that social vulnerability of the Gallocanta Groundwater Body is moderate, despite the low amount of inhabitants in the area. In addition, it has been highlighted the lack of alternative water sources, which significantly increases the population dependence of groundwater and enhances its key role as the main water supply source in the towns of the study area.