Groundwater
Groundwater is a vital domestic resource. It plays an important role in the production of drinking water and in the utilisation of other georesources such as geothermal energy. Hydrogeological data and models are indispensable for sustainable groundwater management.
The groundwater in Switzerland's subsurface flows through microscopically small pores, fissures or wide karstic cavities. It comes to the surface naturally in the form of springs or is pumped from underground as drinking or industrial water. Shallow groundwater is used as drinking water and must therefore be protected accordingly. Groundwater also occurs in the deep subsurface, but it contains salt and is therefore unsuitable as drinking water.
Groundwater can also make underground utilisation more difficult. For example, it can have a negative impact on the geotechnical conditions of construction projects, affect the performance of geothermal plants or restrict the extraction of gravel and sand resources.
The nature of the geological subsurface has a major influence on the geometry and properties of groundwater aquifers. 3D geological models are an essential source of information for the spatial characterisation of aquifers. The 3D models of the Swiss Geological Survey, together with data from other federal offices and cantons, provide an important basis for the management and protection of this resource.