Press release
New report: Is the solution to water crises hiding right under our feet?
Groundwater accounts for 99 of all liquid freshwater on Earth However this natural resource is often poorly understood and consequently undervalued mismanaged and even abused According to the latest edition of the United Nations World Water Development Report published by UNESCO the vast potential of groundwater and the need to manage it sustainably can no longer be overlooked
The way forward
Unlocking groundwaters full potential what needs to be done
Climate change
Climate change directly impacts the natural recharge of groundwater which is replenished by precipitation directly and via leakage from surface waters
Ecosystems
The ecology of many wetlands lakes rivers and other surface water bodies is dependent on the complex interactions between groundwater and surface water
Human Settlements
Most settlements located in favourable hydrogeological settings benefit of the groundwater potential for their water supply and significantly increase water supply security during extended drought
Industry
Groundwater is a key resource for many industries and contributes to employment and economic growth Various industrial processes make use of groundwater resources where surface water is limited in quantity but also where quality is important