Groundwater research
BGS Research
We provide long-term, groundwater-related capability in the hydrosciences for the benefit of the UK and internationally. Our research addresses issues related to:
- the sustainability of water resources and quality
- the effects of environmental change on the water cycle
- natural hazards in the context of groundwater
- groundwater and human health
We undertake groundwater-related monitoring and surveys and have extensive data and information, much of which is accessible through the dedicated BGS Groundwater website.
With our partners, we undertake integrated catchment studies through the development of field sites and novel monitoring technologies, the development of groundwater models and the provision of supporting services and analytical facilities.
Find out more about our research
Groundwater resources
Groundwater provides invaluable freshwater for public and private supply, agriculture, industry and recreation across the UK and globally.
Groundwater resources in the UK
Maps of groundwater resources for public supply in the UK show the regional variation in reliance on groundwater supplies. Water companies have estimated how climate change and sustainability reductions will affect these supplies by 2045.
Groundwater quality
The quality of groundwater determines its value as a resource and its impact on surface water ecosystems. BGS researches all aspects of groundwater quality.
Groundwater and health
We work on groundwater and health in the UK and internationally with a wide range of partners including government departments and international aid agencies.
Groundwater protection and vulnerability
Groundwater is vulnerable to contamination from a wide range of human activities including agriculture, urbanisation, waste disposal, past and present industry and from pollution incidents.
Groundwater and energy
BGS undertakes research to better understand the potential for using groundwater as a renewable geothermal energy source.
Groundwater extremes, climate change and resilience
We are researching groundwater extremes, the impacts of environmental and climate change on groundwater in the UK and internationally, and what this means for building a more resilient future for our water resources.
International groundwater
BGS has a long history of international groundwater research and developing tools for groundwater management.
Groundwater data
Data and information are fundamental to scientific progress. At BGS we gather and curate data from our own projects and from partners.
Our projects
Emerging contaminants in groundwater
The term ’emerging contaminants’ is used to describe substances which are not yet regulated, but may be of environmental or human health concern.
Nitrate time bomb
Nitrate leaching from soils can have negative effects ecosystems and human health.
Hydro-JULES
The Hydro-JULES research programme will develop a new generation of terrestrial hydrological models to understand the terrestrial water cycle.
Groundwater drought reconstruction
Groundwater provides water even during periods of low rainfall. But this resource can become highly stressed if rainfall is reduced in the long-term.
Africa Groundwater Atlas
The Africa Groundwater Atlas is an online resource providing an introduction to the groundwater resources of 51 African countries, and a gateway to further information.
Related news
Geology sans frontières
24/04/2025
Geology doesn’t stop at international borders, so BGS is working with neighbouring geological surveys and research institutes to solve common problems with the geology they share.
Presence of harmful chemicals found in water sources across southern Indian capital, study finds
10/03/2025
Research has revealed the urgent need for improved water quality in Bengaluru and other Indian cities.
Pioneering tool expanding to analyse agricultural pollution and support water-quality interventions
06/02/2025
An online tool that shows which roads are most likely to cause river pollution is being expanded to incorporate methods to assess pollution from agricultural areas.
Brighid Ó Dochartaigh honoured with prestigious Geological Society award
27/11/2024
A recently retired BGS employee has been honoured for her contribution to the hydrogeological community.
UK–Philippine partnership to help tackle the challenges of future water security in the Philippines
07/11/2024
New ‘hydrological hub’ to foster research and provide essential national water management datasets and tools.
BGS Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility: helping mitigate one of the UK’s most costly hazards
25/09/2024
Groundwater flooding accounts for an estimated £530 million in damages per year; geoscientific data can help to minimise its impact.
New £38 million project to reduce the impact of floods and droughts
02/09/2024
BGS will take a leading role in efforts to better predict the location and effects of extreme weather events.
Warnings for Scottish farmers and distillers as new data indicates climate change may double number of droughts
23/07/2024
The agricultural and distilling sectors could face significant challenges after research finds the number of droughts in Scotland may double in the next 25 years.
Philippine National Hydrological Model
The first national-scale hydrological model of the Philippines.
Glacial, periglacial and permafrost modelling
Glacier ice and permafrost have important implications for global water security and energy infrastructure
British Groundwater Model
A unique tool for simulating groundwater resources at the national scale.
Environmental modelling
Advancing the understanding of environmental systems through innovative modelling techniques and interdisciplinary research.
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