The Global Aquifer Development Foundation (GADF) is a non-profit organization, based in Canada, working to promote the management of groundwater to meet drinking water needs in developing countries.

Begun in 2004, the non-profit society has been a Registered Canadian Charity since April 2005. The founding directors include professionals in the field of hydrogeology wanting to assist countries to obtain the physical and financial resources to effectively manage their groundwater resources.

Worldwide, the need for clean drinking water is greatest within developing countries, where governments, academics and social organizations often lack the financial and scientific backing to effectively plan and manage water supplies. The aim of GADF is to assist these groups to obtain the resources and tools needed to develop groundwater supplies with a better understanding of the source aquifers, and needs of present and future water users.

Rather than focussing on individual water supply projects, the emphasis is on linking partner countries with the data sources, technology and knowledge to map and study aquifers, and to evaluate water needs, primarily for drinking water, and secondarily for other uses such as agriculture and industry. Example projects could include obtaining computers and software to build a database or obtaining additional training for hydrogeologic scientists working within partner organizations.

At present GADF is looking for financial donors, and members who would like to be involved in current and future work.

Visit our photo and video gallery page of our 2007 Trip to Mali.