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Groundwater is a major source of fresh water for many communities. Because we cannot see it, we often overlook its importance.

Yet if we exclude the fresh water locked up in ice caps and glaciers, groundwater aquifers hold 97% of the world's fresh water. In arid and semi-arid regions it is often the sole source of drinking water.

Groundwater supplies are fragile. Growing populations, urbanization and industrialization are taking a severe toll on groundwater quantity and quality, while the need for water never ceases to grow. Pollution from industry, agriculture and communities is finding its way into aquifers and contaminating groundwater. Unlike surface water contamination, degradation of groundwater often goes undetected until it reaches a high level. Purification of groundwater is then very difficult, given its inaccessibility, huge volume and slow recharge rate. Recharge in some cases is so slow that the groundwater being used today came from rain that fell tens of thousands of years ago. By the time the water is accessed, contamination may be irreversible.

Pollution from industry point sources in urban areas is a particularly serious problem where enforcement of environmental emissions standards has not been effective. Regions of Eastern Europe have experienced high levels of soil and groundwater contamination, and the Katowice Region of Poland is no exception.

UNEP IETC will commence a project this year looking into ways to restore contaminated groundwater bodies. The project will focus on the Katowice Region. The project will ultimately provide guidance and information on environmentally sound technologies for groundwater remediation for managers and practitioners at the municipal or city level in other regions throughout the world.

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