Tajik delegation visits groundwater experts TNO-GDN

The delegation, accompanied by IGRAC, IHE-Delft and Helvetas Switzerland, made a study trip with visits to knowledge institutions and government organizations in Switzerland and the Netherlands. "Of course, the management of groundwater does not stop at the border, so this knowledge exchange is very valuable for all involved. Moreover, it strengthens our international network and that benefits everyone when it comes to responsible use of water", explains Schavemaker.

Social relevance

Groundwater levels, quality of groundwater, the amount of drinking water, salinisation of groundwater and increasing drought are all socially relevant topics that TNO-GDN is working on. Schavemaker explains:

"We are an advisor to the national government and work together with provinces, municipalities, water boards and scientific institutes. We also help companies solve issues related to the subsurface."

Data as a foundation

The large amounts of data form the foundation for this work. Information manager Erik Simmelink told the visitors about the evolution of the data system. "With the arrival of the Basic Register of the Subsurface, more groundwater data became available to users. At the same time, it provides a quality boost, because the data owners are responsible for the quality and timeliness of the data. So the information that can be obtained from the BRO will also be improved", says Simmelink.

Subsequently, geohydrologist Jelle Buma and geologist Ronald Harting explained Groundwater Tools, TNO-GDN's online portal for knowledge and information about groundwater in the Netherlands.

Use of substrate

Finally, a look behind the scenes of the lab (the so-called description room, where drill samples are analyzed) followed. To map the structure and composition of the subsurface. This provides information for the use of the subsurface, such as the extraction and protection of groundwater.