GERDA - GEophysical Relational DAtabase

In Denmark, groundwater mapping is a high priority area. In 1999, the Danish Government initiated the National Groundwater Mapping Programme to achieve a detailed description of Danish aquifers with respect to localisation, extension, distribution and interconnection as well as vulnerability against contaminants. The Mapping Programme now covers approx. 40 percent of the Danish area designated as particularly valuable water abstraction areas. Water consumers finance the mapping programme by paying 0.07 Euro per consumed m3 water. By 2015, when the programme will be completed, the total estimated cost will comprise approx. 250 million Euro, and a significant part of this expenditure will have been used to fund geophysical mapping.

The National Groundwater Mapping Programme involves the use of geophysical survey methods, survey drillings, well logging, water sampling, hydrological mapping and geological and groundwater modelling. In major parts of the particularly valuable water abstraction areas, it is important to obtain spatially dense geophysical data covering large continuous areas.
The programme is administered by seven local offices under the Ministry of Environment and most of the practical work is carried out by private consulting companies.

For further information on the Danish Groundwater Mapping Programme and water supply system, please see:

Thomsen, R. Hydrogeological mapping for site-specific groundwater protection zones in Denmark. The Danish action plan for promotion of eco-efficient technologies – Danish Lessons. Danish Ministry of the Environment.

Thomsen, R., Søndergaard, V.H. and Sørensen, K.I. 2004. Hydrogeological mapping as a basis for establishing site-specific groundwater protection zones in Denmark. Hydrogeology Journal 12, 550-562. Abstract

Stockmarr, J. and Thomsen, R. Water supply in Denmark. The Danish action plan for promotion of eco-efficient technologies – Danish Lessons. Danish Ministry of the Environment.