Water resources and climate change - groundwater as an alternative source of water supply

Abstract

In recent years, the world, including Europe, has seen a much higher incidence of extreme weather phenomena. The ongoing climatic changes have a direct impact on the condition of surface waters. Groundwater is less affected by anthropogenic pollution than surface water, since groundwater can be used in distribution systems for municipal purposes, for food purposes, sold in unit packages, and for medicinal purposes (in drinking and bathing treatments). In Poland, a country with poor water resources, the problem of water scarcity due to climate change may even increase. One solution to this problem may be the increased use of Polish groundwater resources. Hydrogeological conditions favorable to the construction of drill wells, detailed identification of available groundwater resources throughout the country and the low degree of their usage (25% on average) make it possible to increase the intake of groundwater to cover this water deficit, especially in periods of drought.