Groundwater in a water-rich environment : Wales, a land of plenty

Traditionally, Wales has relied on surface water, with only 8% of the total public supply currently derived from groundwater sources. There are various significant aquifers in Wales, including the Carboniferous Limestone in South and North-East Wales and the Triassic aquifer in the Vale of Clwyd, as well as superficial granular deposits that are of particular importance in West Wales. Groundwater quality is generally good and minimal treatment is required. Hydrogeological data in the public domain for Wales are scarce: the Carboniferous Limestone, for example, is particularly poorly documented. Despite this lack of information there are some notable groundwater schemes, but current legislative aspects now require a better overall understanding of the hydrogeology of Wales. A key recommendation is the preparation of public domain data-sets and a comprehensive report on the hydrogeology of Wales.