Research Seminar: The Story of Groundwater: Think Globally, Act Locally

In the global groundwater statement, concerned scientists and practitioners have called for action to ensure that groundwater benefits society now and into the future. Groundwater is the drinking water source for more than two billion people. Most are rural residents relying on domestic wells. Groundwater provides more than 40% of the water for irrigated agriculture worldwide. It is thus critical for food security and provides resilience against drought. However, the sustainability of groundwater is threatened by over exploitation and by pollution from both new and old chemical and biological hazards. How can you tell the clear looking and good tasting well water that your family has been using for many years is safe to drink? Will you need to “top up” groundwater if you pump it from a well to irrigate your farm? Through stories of how people, as individuals or as a community, dealt with various aspects of decidedly local and very often personal groundwater challenges, this talk seeks to demonstrate the creativity in our society and individuals to safeguard groundwater sustainability. The story of groundwater is the one for which “think globally, act locally” truly matters.

Poster