Groundwater resources

Groundwater provides invaluable fresh water for public and private supply, agriculture, industry and recreation across the UK and globally. Groundwater resources, although in most cases renewable, are finite.

We carry out research into all aspects of groundwater flow, recharge and discharge processes to improve our understanding of this precious resource through regional studies of basins and aquifers. Our groundwater studies are supported by numerical modelling and all of our work is underpinned by our substantial geological and groundwater data and information holdings.

Groundwater level forecasting

BGS produces a monthly forecast of groundwater levels that covers most of the principal aquifers in the UK for either one or three months into the future. 

Groundwater resources in the UK

The UK’s groundwater resources provide approximately a third of public water supply in England and make an important contribution in Wales and Scotland.