Groundwater
Groundwater is all the water below the surface of the ground in the subsoil. Groundwater was once rainwater. When rain falls on the ground, it sinks between the grains of sand, clay, or pebbles. The rainwater sinks into the ground until it can go no deeper. For example, because it encounters an impermeable layer of clay. Or groundwater that is already there.
What is the difference between shallow and deep groundwater?
We distinguish between shallow and deep groundwater.
- Shallow groundwater is the groundwater in the upper soil layer between the ground surface and the first poorly permeable soil layer, such as a clay layer.
- Deep groundwater is groundwater that lies deeper in the subsurface. Deep groundwater is located between several poorly permeable soil layers.
The immediate surroundings influence shallow groundwater. Deep groundwater is influenced by a much larger area, often higher-lying areas in the country, because water flows downhill.
Who is responsible for groundwater?
- The owner of a plot of land is responsible for water management on their own plot and for the management and maintenance of their own buildings.
- The municipality is the first point of contact for flooding caused by groundwater in urban areas (villages and towns). If necessary, the municipality may ask water authority province for advice. It is obliged to receive excess water from neighboring owners.
- The water authority is the point of contact for groundwater in rural areas. There are many canals and other watercourses in these areas watercourses water authority the water authority . The water authority control the water levels in the main waterways.
- The province is responsible for:
- the general frameworks within which water boards and municipalities must operate
- the quality of groundwater
- deep groundwater and withdrawals from it, for example for industry or drinking water