Introduction

Groundwater is the only source of water supply for some countries in the world and the main source for many other countries. Especially in the European Union and in the United States of America, the role of high-quality groundwater is fundamental for the drinking water supply, and this is true also for some countries in Asia, Africa and Australia. Thus, in a growing number of contexts, safeguarding drinking water supplies is strictly linked with the protection of local groundwater resources. The usage of groundwater for irrigation has also a relevant share in many countries, sometimes contributing to stress the resource. The assessment of groundwater vulnerability and the individuation of potential hazards are thus becoming common and often compelling issues. Given this particular background, this introductory chapter illustrates the motivational framework of this book and outlines its contents.