THE PROTECTION OF URBAN GROUNDWATER FROM POLLUTION

The serious pollution of groundwater under cities is demonstrated with data from Coventry (UK), Madras (India) and Birmingham (UK). Microbiological organisms, nitrates, and organic chemicals are common, but many other pollutants are also found. The main sources are industry and inadequate sewerage. The provision of sewerage must remain a priority, on health grounds, for cities in the developing world. Virtually all industrial sites pollute the soil and groundwater through careless handling of chemicals. Industrial sites should be treated like landfills: contained and carefully monitored. If industrialists had to use groundwater from below their own sites, they would suffer the consequences of any pollution. This would also clean up the aquifer by pumping out polluted water.