The International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH/AIH) is a scientific and educational charitable organisation for scientists, engineers, water managers and other professionals working in the fields of groundwater resource planning, management and protection. Founded in 1956, it has grown to a world-wide membership of more than 4000 individuals.
Our mission is to further the understanding, wise use and protection of groundwater resources throughout the world.
IAH aims to be a leading international society for the science and practice of hydrogeology and to be a globally recognised information source and facilitator for the transfer of groundwater knowledge. We endeavour to raise awareness of groundwater issues and work with national and international agencies to promote the use of groundwater to ensure ready access to safe drinking water. IAH also promotes the protection of aquifers against pollution, the improvement of aquifer storage and the management of groundwater resources to assure the sustainability of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
A world-wide groundwater organisation: IAH is truly a world-wide association, its efforts being made through its many National Chapters (groups), Scientific/Topic based Commissions and Networks; its international team of Council members, and its UK based Secretariat. In addition we have over 4000 members based all around the world. We are striving to increase this number and our world-wide activities because the greater our number and effort, the more powerful and effective our voice internationally and the wider we can reach in all aspects of our work.
GROUNDWATER
Groundwater is not always well understood by the general public, policy makers and professionals in other disciplines. IAH harnesses the research, knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm of its members to help improve this understanding and to promote the professional management of groundwater.
We provide a voice for groundwater in world water policy and to champion its proper use and protection. IAH works with agencies in the UN system, especially UNESCO, FAO, IAEA and WMO, with other water-related NGOs, and is a member of the World Water Council and UN-Water. IAH is also affiliated to the International Union of Geological Sciences.
We encourage education and technology transfer, improving resources for groundwater professionals in developing countries. This is achieved by building networks of groundwater professionals within and between developing countries, by providing them with up to date technical material and by newsletters.
IAH BRITISH NATIONAL CHAPTER
IAH members around the world are organised into national chapters. The role of the British National Chapter includes:
- Promotion of activities that further the science and technology of groundwater;
- Stimulation of interest of hydrogeologists in Britain in the activities of IAH;
- Maintenance of a dialogue with other groups in Britain concerned with groundwater;
- Representation at international level of the interests of IAH members in Britain.
To contact any of the committee regarding groundwater issues please use the email addresses provided under the drop down menu of committee members on the home page. Thanks!