Groundwater quality and protection

Dr Rob Ward, Director of Groundwater Science at the British Geological Survey, discusses the ongoing baseline survey of methane in UK groundwaters. Understanding the current distribution of methane in UK groundwaters will provide a baseline against which any future changes from shale gas exploitation can be measured.

The BGS have an internationally recognised track record in groundwater quality research related to natural baseline chemistry, and to groundwater and health.

BGS are working with the Environment Agency and colleagues in BRGM (France) to study emerging contaminants. Emerging contaminants are compounds which have relatively recently been discovered in groundwater in the UK and worldwide.

'Baseline' chemistry of groundwaters in British aquifers

Characterisation of the spatial and temporal variations in inorganic constituents in groundwaters from selected aquifers in England, Wales and Scotland.

Groundwater and health

BGS staff undertake research related to groundwater and health. Specific areas of interest include arsenic, uranium and fluoride in groundwaters in the UK and overseas. We have also undertaken assessments of the occurrence and mobility of Cryptosporidium in British groundwaters.