grundvattenskyddsområde

Grundvatten is a Swedish term referring to groundwater. Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface in pores and fractures of rock and soil. It is a vital component of the Earth's water cycle and a significant source of fresh water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.

The replenishment of groundwater, known as recharge, occurs through precipitation that infiltrates the ground. This process can be slow, especially in arid or semi-arid regions. Groundwater can be stored in geological formations called aquifers, which are layers of rock or sediment that can hold and transmit water. The upper level of an aquifer is called the water table.

Groundwater plays a crucial role in maintaining stream flow, particularly during dry periods. It also supports various ecosystems, such as wetlands and springs. However, groundwater resources are susceptible to pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and leaking underground storage tanks. Over-extraction of groundwater can lead to a drop in the water table, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. Sustainable management of groundwater resources is therefore essential to ensure their long-term availability and quality.