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In this issue of WaterFront we are reminded of one of the greatest but most neglected threats to human existence: the depletion and contamination of groundwater.

About half of the human population relies on groundwater for drinking water and food production today. In a warmer climate, groundwater will be even more crucial to the survival of humans and for the endurance of fragile ecosystems, but this support system is now being jeopardized by reckless over-pumping and pollution.

One of the first people to understand the dangers associated with groundwater contamination was Dr John Cherry, who is awarded the Stockholm Water Prize 2020. Meet him on page 4 in an interview where he talks about what must be done to protect groundwater.

On page 14, we learn about how India became the world’s largest groundwater user and what it will take to break today’s unsustainable habits. Good groundwater governance will be fundamental and on page 10, SIWI’s Jenny Grönwall takes a closer look at this topic. On page 12, we explore new research on the complex relationship between trees and groundwater recharge, which brings hope to millions of people.

The recent outbreak of Covid-19 has cast long shadows over the water world. Read more about the impacts on page 3 and in the Last Word on page 17, with perspectives from Dr Sergio Campos of the Inter-American Development Bank.

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