Water

Water

Water is the world’s most important resource, without it life on Earth would not exist. We rely on it for everything from drinking supplies, to its use in agriculture, to supporting animal and plant life around the world. Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water but not all of it is available to us for use.


Over 96% of the world water is held in our oceans and only 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater. Of this 2.5% of freshwater the majority is trapped in glaciers and ice-caps with the remainder being groundwater or surface water such as lakes and rivers. 


In Ireland we rely heavily on groundwater, it supplies 20-25% of our drinking water supplies and in some counties it supplies up to 50%. In rural areas not served by water schemes it is the only source of drinking water with these areas relying on wells and springs. Links below will allow you to explore the following themes:

 
The water cycle

Bottled water

Karst

Water Quantity and Quality

 

 

https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/events-and-news/events/Pages/GSNI-Geothermal-Webinar-Series-21-November-2024.aspxGSNI Geothermal Webinar Series 21 November 2024Online2024-11-21T16:00:00.0000000Z2024-11-21T17:00:00.0000000Z

Further information about the above topics can be found in the Groundwater programme pages.

 

 

https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/events-and-news/news/Pages/UGEG-meeting-in-Lodz-in-October-2024.aspxUGEG meeting in Łódź in October 202411/11/2024 00:00:00
https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/events-and-news/news/Pages/Second-100-IUGS-Geological-Heritage-Sites.aspxSecond 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites are Announced26/08/2024 23:00:00

 

 

https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/publications/Pages/GW3D-Project-Report---Castledermot-Sand-and-Gravel-Aquifer.aspxGW3D Project Report - Castledermot Sand and Gravel Aquifer21/07/2024 23:00:00
https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/publications/Pages/GW3D-Project-Report---Coolane-Sand-and-Gravel-Aquifer.aspxGW3D Project Report - Coolane Sand and Gravel Aquifer21/07/2024 23:00:00