Importance of public awareness in groundwater pollution

Scarcity of water, particularly in towns situated along the Mediterranean coast where the main aquifers are in karstic carbonate rocks, requires more thoroughness in exploiting and protecting the groundwater resources. Geomorphological and hydrogeological studies have revealed large quantities of the input and throughput features like sinkholes, dolines, uvalas and poljes in the recharge areas of many karst aquifers in Turkey. These features are considered as favorite by the local authorities and local people to utilize the karst features for their own purposes. In doing this, the people are unconscious of the connection of those features with the wells or springs that provide water for their supply. A number of experiences in Turkey have demonstrated that, no matter how perfect is the efficiency of the technical work, protection of the water resources is primarily related to the consciousness of the local authorities. This paper discusses how to overcome the public awareness problem.