Groundwater modelling for decision-support in practice: Insights from Sweden

Groundwater is an essential resource for drinking water, food production, and industrial applications worldwide. Over-exploitation and pollution pose significant risks to groundwater sustainability. Groundwater models can be powerful tools for optimizing use, managing risks, and aiding decision-making. For this purpose, models should assimilate pertinent data and quantify uncertainties in outcomes. We examine applied modelling for characterization and decision support in Sweden from 2010 to 2023. We also review syllabi of water-related courses in Swedish higher education to assess the inclusion and extent of groundwater modelling education. We find that important academic advances in groundwater modelling over the past two decades have not translated into practical application within Sweden's industry, that uncertainty quantification is rarely undertaken, and that groundwater modelling remains a low priority in higher education. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations that, while informed by the Swedish context, hold relevance for educational institutions, industry, and decision-makers internationally.