Groundwater and Population Dynamics: Examining the Relationship Between Aquifer Resources and Population Distribution in Kosovo

Abstract

This paper examines the distribution of the population and settlements in relation to the aquifers in Kosovo. Due to the ease of groundwater extraction, the population is highly concentrated above aquifers with intergranular porosity and medium to high permeability, which are mainly located in the plains of the country: Dukagjini, Kosovo, Anamorava, Llapi and Drenica. Using the GIS/RS technique and statistical analysis, the relationship between the aquifers and population distribution was analysed and presented in the article. The analysis of settlement and population data, along with the distribution of aquifers, indicates that a large proportion of the population lives in areas overlying aquifers with intergranular porosity and low to very high permeability. (sand, gravel, clay). These aquifers are home to 828 settlements (56.4% of all settlements) and a population of 1.34 million inhabitants, which corresponds to an increase from 66.8% (1948) to 85% (2024) of the country‘s population. The physical expansion of built-up areas, which cover 516 km², can lead to depletion (lowering of the water table) and overuse of groundwater resources, especially in dry periods. In addition, the expansion of agricultural activities on arable land adjacent to these aquifers, combined with the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilisers, has led to groundwater contamination.