Introduction

Groundwater needs to be considered in a range of activities ranging from waste disposal to groundwater abstraction and sheep dipping. Since groundwater feeds our surface waters and wetlands and supplies many people with water supplies (both small scale domestic to large scale industrial water bottling plants) it requires protecting from pollution and over abstraction.

• Protect groundwater quality by minimising the risks posed by point and diffuse sources of pollution;
  
  
• Protect groundwater resources by controlling abstractions and influencing developments, which could affect groundwater quantity.
  
  

The Policy comprises an overarching section, which describes the general principles of groundwater protection and states the overall Policy objectives, supported by subject-specific sections that outline the mechanisms to achieve the objectives. Subject specific sections should be read in conjunction with the overarching Policy but can be read in isolation from the other supporting sections.

The Groundwater Protection Policy is currently being revised to incorporate changes needed following the introduction of the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005



Legislation and Guidance

European and national legislation has been put in place to protect groundwater quality and quantity. SEPA and others, such as the Scottish Executive and the UK Groundwater Forum, have produced some information and guidance in relation to groundwater.

Some of the main legislation and guidance related to groundwater which is applicable in Scotland is listed below. SEPA intends to produce further guidance on groundwater in the coming years and this will be added to this list when it becomes available.

For information on SEPA charging schemes click here.