Groundwater is increasingly seen as an alternative resource where surface water is becoming more vulnerable to droughts and other climate-related impacts. Groundwater assessments are critical to utilities in diversifying their sources or expanding groundwater abstraction. Understanding groundwater resources is central to building resilience in water supply systems. As water supplies in Pacific urban centers become scarce and increasingly stressed by climate change, being able to assess the potential of groundwater becomes even more important.

The webinar explored groundwater assessment concepts, tools, and data used, and how they are applied to water supply planning. Samoa Water Authority and Water PNG shared their experiences with developing groundwater assessments, well-field expansion, and how analyzing data was helpful in their planning and development.