- Source - Environment Agency
- Update - Annually
- Agency code - Wa8
Background
Groundwater abstractions are an important source of water for agriculture, industry and the public. Many groundwaters feed wetlands and provide much of the base flow to rivers. Removal or diversion of groundwater can contribute to low flows thereby causing the aquatic environment to be adversely affected. While groundwater abstraction can be an important contributor to low flows, influences based on climate change may also complicate the situation, for example variability in amount of rainfall, rates of evaporation and changes in land use.
Data details
The eight indicator sites are representative of the groundwater levels in each of the Environment Agency regions. They provide data for the main aquifers used for public water supply in chalk, limestone and Permo-triassic sandstones. The sites were chosen as they are relatively unaffected by pumping influences and have a fairly long period of record. The data is collected on a monthly basis using an electronic probe. The difference between the actual levels and the long-term mean (various time series) are plotted. This indicator is limited to a few sites and there could be significant regional differences.
Data for indicators are available on a variety of geographical scales. For this indicator the following data are available:
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UK
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England and Wales
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Government Regions
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Agency Regions
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Local Government
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Ward
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Other
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4
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4
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