Economic analysis for exemptions to achieve the environmental objectives in groundwater bodies.

This paper analyses and compares the use of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for exemptions and disproportionate cost decision according to the implementation of Water Framework Directive Article 4 in groundwater bodies in the Spanish River Basins. Data has been obtained from both, the hydrological plans for the first planning cycle (2009-2015) and for the second one (2015-2021). Results show the evolution in the scope of good chemical and quantitative status of groundwater bodies in both planning cycles, and the different methodologies used to justify economically exemptions to achieve the environmental objectives in such bodies.