Integrating hydrogeological and economic analyses of groundwater flooding in an urban aquifer: the plain of Naples (Italy) as a case study

The study applies the defensive expenditure approach via hydrogeological data for a sector of the plain of Naples to value the economic damages produced by groundwater flooding on private properties. It follows from the integrated analysis that the value of the economic damages is increasing over time at a compound pace. The over-pumping of groundwater during the industrialisation period, and its stop in the subsequent de-industrialisation one, impaired the long-run natural equilibrium of the groundwater resources. Thus, the myopic decisions taken with respect to land and groundwater use, and a short-sight urban design planning have caused increasing economic costs in the medium and long terms.