During the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Council of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) the project ‘Groundwater for Emergency Situations (GWES)’ was approved and included in the Implementation Plan of the Sixth Phase of the IHP (2002 – 2007) under the title ‘Identification and management of strategic groundwater bodies to be used for emergency situations as a result of extreme events or in case of conflicts’.

The aim of the GWES project is to consider natural and man-induced catastrophic events that could adversely influence human health and life and to identify in advance potential safe, low vulnerability groundwater resources which could temporarily replace damaged supply systems. This requires a special approach to the methods of project development. Water management projects normally consider sustainable water development. The priority in emergency situations is risk management with the objective of providing crucial first aid to the affected population.

The GWES Framework Document is the first step in the preparation of the main document of the GWES project ‘Guidelines for the identification and management of strategic groundwater bodies to be used for emergency situations resulting from extreme events or in case of conflicts’.