Brunner, Philip

2017-8, Brunner, Philip

Groundwater is a hidden, yet essential resource in all climatic zones. It is the most important global source of drinking water and industrial production and mining operations rely on it heavily. Groundwater constitutes approximately 50% of worldwide irrigation water, which greatly increases the efficiency of agriculture. A wide range of valuable ecosystems relies exclusively on groundwater. However, the days of unconcerned use of groundwater are long over. Groundwater depletion and pollution worldwide have reached a level so critical that the above-mentioned functions of groundwater can no longer be maintained or guaranteed for current (let alone future) generations.