Figure 1 : Boundaries of the Lez Aquifer Catchment Area (BRGM, 2014)

This research is set against a backdrop of increasing pressures on groundwater resources due to both climatic and anthropogenic factors.

The study focuses on the Lez karst aquifer, the main source of drinking water for Montpellier, providing 93% of the metropolitan area's water supply. The scientific challenges include analyzing user and stakeholder perceptions of the resource, as well as developing economic instruments to promote water conservation and collective management.

The expected outcomes will consist of concrete proposals for tools and management mechanisms applicable to both industrial and public sectors, particularly for managing water resources and demands. This project is based on interdisciplinary collaborations within the K3 program of the PEPR "One Water - Eau bien commun" and will include participatory workshops with local stakeholders to ensure collaborative and sustainable management.

Key words : Water demand, economic approaches, global change, karst groundwater resource