Groundwater protection

Groundwater resources cover an important part of the World's freshwater consumption. Even more then surface water resources, they are vulnerable to a variety of threats, including overuse and contamination. Because groundwater flows slowly, contaminants are not carried away and diluted as rapidly as they are in rivers or oceans. Exceeding the natural recharge over a long period makes the groundwater levels drop, and over-pumping can lead to salt-water intrusion in coastal areas. Inadequate protection of aquifers against human-made discharges and leaches from urban and industrial activities, as well as the intensification of agricultural cultivation, is the main cause of groundwater pollution.

Growing bioenergy crops can play a role in the protection of groundwater, since a well-planned siting of bioenergy crops can help to filter agricultural chemicals, and thus mitigating the impacts of chemical use from agricultural cropland. Using biofuels (like biodiesel) instead of fossil fuels offers the additional benefit of groundwater as well as surface water protection, since biodiesel is biologically degradable, thus making spills and leaks less of a concern.

Karst areas are especially vulnerable to contamination		Fresh water is an increasingly precious resource around the world		What will happen if our fresh water supply run out?