Groundwater

Groundwater is water stored underground, as opposed to water in the sea, lakes or rivers or in the atmosphere. Groundwater makes up about 70% of all the freshwater in the world and much of it is stored in aquifers.

Climate change is likely to have an impact on groundwater. We can expect wetter winters, which may mean that groundwater reserves are recharged quickly but could also lead to greater run-off into rivers and then the sea.
 
Hotter summers are likely to increase demand for water and with river flow predicted to fall the demands on groundwater are likely to increase. We may find it difficult balancing act.

« Back to the green glossary