What does DSGM mean in MANAGEMENT

Demand Side Groundwater Management (DSGM) is a set of strategies used to manage groundwater resources in an effort to increase the long-term sustainability of aquifers and water supplies.

DSGM is important because it focuses on the responsible use of high-value groundwater or aquifers for agricultural, industrial, commercial, urban or recreational purposes and encourages efficient and sustainable water use practices which can help conserve natural water sources for future generations.

Some DSGM strategies include developing outreach programs such as public education campaigns that promote awareness about conservation and incentivizing sustainable water usage through tax credits or financial assistance programs. Additionally, there may be government regulations such as minimum flow requirements or restrictions on abstracting large quantities of groundwater.

Individuals can support DSGM by following best management practices when using water resources such as using low-flow fixtures in homes and businesses, harvesting rainwater for irrigation, landscaping with native plants which require less watering, and avoiding chemical fertilizers which contaminate groundwaters.

Implementing a successful DSGM program can have many benefits including reduced overuse or contamination of valuable groundwaters, improved access to clean and available drinking water, increased resiliency against droughts and floods, improved ecological health by protecting freshwater ecosystems from degradation due to unsustainable usage patterns as well as potential cost savings from reducing the need for costly infrastructure improvements related to replacing degraded watersources.