Publication: A Global Dataset of Aquifer Typologies and Groundwater Resources
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2025-09-08
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2025-09-19
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This note details the rationale and methodological steps taken to assemble a global dataset of aquifer typologies and resource availability. Such a global dataset can be used to answer high-level but fundamental questions related to the economic accessibility or potential of groundwater in a region and the implications for the best policy, financial, and other interventions. This is particularly important from a development perspective in relation to poverty reduction, resilient growth and climate adaptation. The new dataset builds on available global datasets and adopts a sustainable development perspective on the possible uses of groundwater resources. For this reason, it distinguishes between aquifers where individual groundwater use is possible compared to those cases where institutional intervention can be required due to technical requirements and high investment costs. Such a dataset is also important to capture the buffering role groundwater may play to cope with seasonal rainfall variability and climate shocks, which depends on the aquifer type. Section 1 of this note (Introduction) reflects the rationale for this approach and existing data. Section 2 (A typology of aquifers) details the methodology, steps, and validation for the new global dataset of aquifer typologies. Section 3 (Spatial distribution of groundwater resources) details the methodology and steps taken to produce a new global groundwater availability dataset.
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“World Bank. 2025. A Global Dataset of Aquifer Typologies and Groundwater Resources. The Hidden Wealth of Nations Background Paper. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/43749 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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