The utilization of non-renewable groundwater resources, whether on a planned or unplanned basis, implies the mining of storage reserves. To confront the challenge posed in achieving socially-sustainable development of non-renewable groundwater, an integrated approach to resource management is essential. It is for this reason that the guidebook places strong emphasis on the socio-economic, institutional and legal dimensions of groundwater utilization and management. The target audience for this publication is water resource decision-makers, and the guidebook is written in a style intended to provide easy reference for them, with a specific framework of guidelines being presented upfront.