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Dr. Stephen Foster

Groundwater in Mega Cities: An Overview of Dependency and Challenges

Abstract: Groundwater is critical for the economical provision of water-supply for innumerable urban areas, and global dependence on this resource is put at over 2.0 billion. But there is growing concern over the impacts of both groundwater use on urban infrastructure and urbanisation practices on groundwater. Groundwater is under increasing risk from excessive abstraction, and from pollution from inadequate sanitation and industrial practices. Moreover, In many developing cities, private self-supply from groundwater has reached "boom proportions." While this can improve water-supply access for some user groups it also distorts water operations with major implications for utility revenue and potential public health hazards. The water-demand situation will be exacerbated under most climate-change scenarios, and wherever feasible groundwater use will be a key ‘adaptation strategy’.  There are rarely sufficient groundwater resources within municipal limits to support urban water-utility requirements, Conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water is highly recommended, and needs to be accompanied by the construction of "external wellfields," whose capture zones require protection so that they are not engulfed by uncontrolled urbanisation. Groundwater is thus much more significant in urban water policy than is commonly appreciated – often being the "invisible link" between various facets of urban infrastructure. The resource should thus be proactively managed and broad stakeholder involvement is essential in this regard. 

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Biography: Stephen Foster has British chartered status as an Environmental Engineer and Applied Geologist, with major international experience in groundwater assessment and management, and is a Visiting Professor at University College London.

Senior posts held include:

  • World Health Organisation-Groundwater Advisor for Latin American & Caribbean (1985-89)
  • British Geological Survey-Divisional Director (1990-99), World Bank-Groundwater Management Team Director (2001-12) International Association of Hydrogeologists President (2004-08), Global Water Partnership-Senior Adviser (2012-15)
  • International Water Association-Chair Groundwater Management Group (2018-22)

Stephen received a DSc in 1983 for published work and also 9 various professional awards including: 

  • Institution of Water & Environmental Management-Whitaker Medal (1975)
  • International Association of Hydrogeologists-Presidents Award (2004)
  • and Geological Society of London-William Smith Medal (2006)