Groundwater resources

BGS measures, monitors and maps groundwater to advance knowledge and enable groundwater to be sustainably developed and managed in the UK and globally. 

Half of the world’s population rely on groundwater for drinking and much of international food production is irrigated with groundwater.  In the UK, groundwater provides a third of public water supply in the UK, mostly in the south-east of England where rainfall is low and demand is high. Groundwater is increasingly under threat from over-use, climate change and pollution.   

BGS acts as the national repository for groundwater data, holding extensive collections of hydrogeological information — including well records, groundwater levels, water quality data, aquifer properties and hydrogeological maps — and uses these data to develop knowledge, tools and models to help develop and manage groundwater.

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

Groundwater is a vital resource across the UK, supporting public and private water supply, agriculture, industry and the environment.  BGS provides a wide range of groundwater datasets and information products , including the 1:625 000 Hydrogeology Map of the UK. Further information regarding groundwater resources in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are available through the following links:

• England and Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland