In Ireland, 20-25 % of drinking water supply is dependent on groundwater and which can reach up to 85% in rural areas. Groundwater serves as a source of drinking water and plays a crucial role in maintaining wetlands during droughts. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Changing climate directly affects the natural replenishment of groundwater through changes in precipitation and leakage from surface waters.

The AQCLIMATE project is a collaborative project between Trinity College Dublin and South Eastern Technical University Carlow. The project aims to assess the vulnerability of groundwater recharge to climate change in Ireland. Historically, there has been limited literature available on the impact of climate change focused on groundwater resources. The project focuses on the development of a national-scale quantitative analysis of groundwater recharge and developing thematic maps of it.

The project will develop a comprehensive methodology for creating both current and future groundwater recharge maps, considering seasonal and annual variations, in various climatological scenarios. Over the course of 24 months, AQCLIMATE will generate GIS datasets, Python scripts, and detailed reports. These resources will facilitate continuous assessment and adaptation of groundwater availability under changing climatic conditions. By incorporating the latest data and methodologies, AQCLIMATE strives to produce accurate, high-resolution groundwater recharge maps. These maps will play a crucial role in informing better management practices and policy decisions within the context of climate change.

AqClimate Partners