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Protection of groundwater quality in the UK: present controls and future issues

Abstract Groundwater pollution and its prevention are discussed in the context of the currently perceived issues in the UK and Europe and the future challenges, particularly in addressing historical pollution within the existing regulatory framework. Contamination from industrial processes and facilities is considered to be the most serious point source but its significance has not been appreciated because of the preoccupation with landfills. The influences of legislation, education and policy are reviewed and the growing impact of liability issues discussed. Progress in the development and implementation of the Environment Agency’s Groundwater Protection Policy is described. Developments in the use of groundwater modelling and risk assessment techniques are considered in the light of the growing need to examine the cost-effectiveness of remedial treatment of historical pollution.