Sustainability of groundwater resources of weathered and fractured schists in the rural areas of Galicia (Spain)

Abstract Water supply deficits in droughts, groundwater pollution and climate change are the main challenges for sustainability of resources from hard-rock aquifers rural areas Galicia (Spain). Here, we address weathered fractured schists Abegondo municipality. The conceptualization hydrogeology study area includes: (1) schist (regolith), (2) decompressed highly layer; (3) An underlying slightly schist. Groundwater flows mostly through regolith rock. Rainfall infiltration is source aquifer recharge. discharges seepage areas, springs along creeks valleys. water table generally shallow shows seasonal oscillations up to 4 m. equivalent transmissivity ranges 15 35 m 2 /days. electrical resistivity tomography identifies a attests that contact heterogeneous. were quantified with hydrological balance model. mean annual recharge about 185 mm. at end twenty-first century could decrease 6 10% due change. decline aggravate shortages during droughts. quality data show bacteriological nitrate contamination poor management manure fields occasional slurry pig mink farms. protection actions proposed prevent achieve sustainable area.