Groundwater science

We provide long-term, groundwater-related expertise in hydrogeology for the benefit of both the UK and the rest of the world. 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 hold extensive hydrogeological data and information. With our partners, we undertake integrated catchment studies through field sites and novel monitoring technologies, groundwater models and supporting services and analytical facilities.

A pond next to a country lane with tall trees in the background — The ephemeral Mile End Stream in Lambourn, Berkshire, England, only flows at times when groundwater levels are exceptionally high.

Groundwater science at BGS

Water spurts out of a vertical metal tube.

Projects

Explore our current groundwater reserach projects.

Data

BGS is the national repository for groundwater data and information for the UK and has extensive holdings of international groundwater data and information.

Two white men stand next to a table and a wheelbarrow in a flooded field. One man is wearing an orange waterproof coat and is bending over, writing in a notebook, while the other man, who is wearing black waterproof clothes, watches. There are buckets, tubes, cables and measuring equipment in the wheelbarrow and on the table.

Services

We provide a comprehensive suite of hydrogeological field services from borehole drilling to tracer tests.

A white woman in a red and black coat is standing next to a spring writing in a notebook. A coiled tube leads from the stream to some water sampling equipment.

Quality

The quality of groundwater determines its value as a resource and its impact on surface water ecosystems.

Water pours from a stone-built spring next to a drystone wall. The source of the water is a stone carved into the shape of a crocodile head and the water is coming out of its mouth.

Resources

BGS research into all aspects of groundwater flow, recharge and discharge improves our understanding of this precious resource.

A dry river bed covered in pebbles runs though a field of tall grass. There s a small bridge in the ditance.

Flooding and drought

Improving our understanding of groundwater flooding and how groundwater droughts occur.

A black man sits and a black woman stands on a bridge over a small river. Three back men are in the river taking water sample.

International

BGS has a long history of international development activity throughout the world to sustainably develop and manage groundwater.

BGS blogs

A tale of two groundwaters

21/03/2023

Why the United Nations 2023 Water Conference needs to know more about groundwater.

Fig 1: It is important that groundwater remains protected; there is a potential risk of groundwater being contaminated from leaks from oil and gas wells, through old infrastructure (mines and boreholes) and by transport through the rock mass from the source of the oil and gas.

BGS news

Assessing potential groundwater contamination in the pursuit of new energy sources

23/07/2018

Pouring drinking water from a well in Mozambique

BGS news

BGS and WaterAid publish new research on groundwater resilience

21/03/2022

Most African countries have enough groundwater reserves to face at least five years of drought, new research reveals

BGS news

Melinda Lewis awarded prestigious Whitaker Medal for outstanding contribution to hydrogeology

01/03/2023

Melinda Lewis, BGS Honorary Research Associate, has been awarded the Geological Society Whitaker Medal, recognising outstanding long-term contributions to hydrogeology.