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. In collaboration with our partners, we undertake integrated catchment studies through field sites and novel monitoring technologies, groundwater models and supporting services and analytical facilities.
Malham Beck at its resurgence from below the cliffs at Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales. © Copyright Bill Boaden and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. © Bill Boaden and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Fell Beck disappears into the swallow hole at Gaping Gill, near Ingleborough, in the Yorkshire Dales. Limestone of Carboniferous, Permian and Jurassic age occurs all over the UK and is an important reservoir of groundwater. © Copyright David Martin and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Urban redevelopment around the River Clyde, Glasgow. Urban regeneration uses groundwater information about engineering, construction, pollution, ground conditions and groundwater vulnerability. BGS © UKRI.
The ‘Old Red Sandstone’, an important aquifer in Scotland, cropping out at Siccar Point in the Scottish Borders. BGS © UKRI.
The River Itchen in Hampshire is an example of a chalk stream. Chalk streams are globally rare; only about 210 are known and 160 of them are in England. © Peter Trimming and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The Mompiano spring in Italy has been an urban water supply for 2000 years. The availability of abundant good quality groundwater helped the society and surrounding settlements grow and prosper over millennia. © IAH Italy – Mompiano, Italy – Tullia Bonomi
Miriam Sogoba is watering her market garden in the Segou region of Mali. This is part of a women’s association of 45 women. As well as pumping the groundwater, they monitor the rainfall and groundwater levels to help sustainability manage the water. “Since I joined the market garden. The money I have gained from the sale of vegetables has helped so much – buying clothes for the children and helping me buy a sheep and a goat”. © WaterAid – Segou region, Mali – Basile Ouedraogo
Groundwater science at BGS
Projects
Explore our current groundwater research 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.
Services
We provide a comprehensive suite of hydrogeological field services from borehole drilling to tracer tests.
Quality
The quality of groundwater determines its value as a resource and its impact on surface water ecosystems.
Energy
How groundwater can be used for geothermal energy and the effects of hydrocarbon exploitation on groundwater.
Resources
BGS research into all aspects of groundwater flow, recharge and discharge improves our understanding of this precious resource.
Extremes
Groundwater flooding and drought, and the processes that affect groundwater catchment areas.
International
BGS has a long history of international development activity throughout the world to sustainably develop and manage groundwater.
Latest groundwater news
A tale of two groundwaters
21/03/2023
Why the United Nations 2023 Water Conference needs to know more about groundwater.
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
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.