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
Exploring the contribution of groundwater to England and Wales’ public water supply.
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 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 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 and energy
BGS undertakes research to better understand the potential for using groundwater as a renewable geothermal energy source.
Groundwater extremes
Groundwater flooding and drought, and the processes that affect groundwater catchment areas.
International groundwater research
BGS has a long history of international groundwater research and developing tools for groundwater management.
Groundwater data
BGS is the national repository for groundwater data and information for the UK and has extensive holdings of international groundwater data and information.
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
New research could help provide a more reliable water supply for millions in rural Africa
24/03/2026
A new BGS-led study has revealed crucial insights into the longstanding challenges affecting the reliability and performance of rural water supply infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa.
Extensive freshened water confirmed beneath the ocean floor off the coast of New England for the first time
09/02/2026
BGS is part of the international team that has discovered the first detailed evidence of long-suspected, hidden, freshwater aquifers.
Hole-y c*@p! How bat excrement is sculpting Borneo’s hidden caves
23/12/2025
BGS researchers have delved into Borneo’s underworld to learn more about how guano deposited by bats and cave-dwelling birds is shaping the subsurface.
New geological maps of the Yorkshire Wolds to better inform groundwater management and policy decisions
17/12/2025
The new mapping provides crucial data on localised geological issues that may assist in protecting water supplies.
New 3D model to help mitigate groundwater flooding
08/12/2025
BGS has released a 3D geological model of Gateshead to enhance understanding of groundwater and improve the response to flooding.
New geological ‘pathways’ discovered beneath Welsh capital
02/09/2025
Scientists have discovered cavities in the clay underneath Cardiff, which will influence the siting of future geothermal developments.
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.
You may also be interested in
Environmental modelling
Advancing the understanding of environmental systems through innovative modelling techniques and interdisciplinary research.
Sinkholes and karst research
Our research extends beyond the distribution and processes associated with sinkhole formation to the broader subject of karst.