As would be expected with such a diverse range of geology, a wide variety of aquifers exist within Northern Ireland. The aquifers support a variable degree of groundwater abstraction in addition to providing important components of flow to waterways and wetlands.

The various issues relating to groundwater in Northern Ireland include:-

• Groundwater resources
• Groundwater quality
• Groundwater protection and regulation

A summary of the hydrogeology of Northern Ireland is available in map form at the scale of 1:250 000 (BGS 1994). A supporting report, 'Hydrogeology of Northern Ireland' (BGS 1996) is also available.

GSNI through its link with the BGS have access to a wide range of technical expertise and services including borehole logging, geophysical and geochemical surveying, groundwater modelling and specialist landfill and contaminated land knowledge.

For a 'layperson's' guide to what groundwater is and issues related to groundwater, a booklet is available from the UK Groundwater Forum entitled 'Groundwater - Our Hidden Asset'. This publication can also be ordered from this office. A video on the relationship between groundwater and waterways, 'Rivers - How they Work' is also available from the same organisation.