Groundwater, making the invisible visible
22 March 2022 Submitted by Dr. Yagna Prasad K
Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives.
Almost all of the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater. Groundwater provides almost half of all drinking water worldwide, about 40% of water for irrigated agriculture and about one third of water supply required for industry.
It sustains ecosystems, maintains the base flow of rivers and prevents land subsidence and seawater intrusion. Despite its importance, groundwater is invisible. In addition, out of sight often means out of mind.
As climate change gets worse, groundwater will become more and more critical. We need to work together to sustainably manage this precious resource. There are also some strategies to promote sustainable groundwater supply. Conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater, desalination, recycling and wastewater reuse, water harvesting, increase recharge to the groundwater system are few effective measures to promote sustainable groundwater supply.
Groundwater may be out of sight, but it must not be out of mind. The theme of groundwater should be able to shape the campaign through suggestions of activities but also get the information and the tools needed to raise awareness of groundwater in all public forums.
The theme of groundwater will contribute to a raised public, policy and scientific awareness of the opportunities and risks of addressing groundwater in the context of achieving sustainable development goals. WABAG, the world market leader in the water industry, always stands in front for giving all necessary support in achieving this goal.
