Aquifer Risk Management Using Swot Analysis: Strategies for Groundwater Conservation and Demand Management.

The sustainability of aquifers, vital sources of freshwater, faces increasing threats due to over-extraction and contamination. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach for aquifer risk management utilizing SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis in the B60D sub-catchment of the Olifants Water Management Area. By integrating this strategic framework, the study aims to delineate effective strategies for groundwater conservation and demand management. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the research examines the internal and external factors influencing aquifer sustainability, including hydrogeological characteristics, socio-economic dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. Through SWOT analysis, inherent strengths such as natural recharge mechanisms and weaknesses such as vulnerability to pollution are identified alongside opportunities like technological advancements and threats such as climate change impacts. Based on these insights, a suite of adaptive strategies is formulated, encompassing sustainable abstraction practices, land use planning, community engagement, and policy interventions. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration and adaptive management approaches in implementing these strategies. Case studies and empirical data are incorporated to illustrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed framework in diverse aquifer contexts. Ultimately, this research contributes to advancing aquifer sustainability by offering a structured methodology for proactive risk assessment and strategic decision-making, thereby fostering resilience in groundwater management practices.