Groundwater holds the promise of closing the gap between water supply and demand, and in buffering the effects of climate variability. The other driver of interest around groundwater is the role that groundwater plays in addressing the SDG 6 target for drinking water. To reach this SDG 6 target, groundwater delivered thorough multiple delivery mechanisms (e.g. boreholes, springs, reticulated systems, dug wells) has a vital role to play. Groundwater use for socio-economic improvements is generally in a growing stage in Africa and in the Nile basin in particular. Experience elsewhere in the world (South East Asian countries) and in some cities in Sub-Saharan Africa show that this precious resource can rapidly degrade and depleted. A UNEP report (Morris et al., 2011) demonstrates that groundwater storage that provides the ultimate resources buffer is threatened with a double jeopardy - depletion and degradation. The pressure is already felt in the numerous small aquifers in the upper Nile riparian countries.

The complete Atlas of Maps of the BAS region, including physical and other aspects, produced as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Multipurpose Water Resources Development Study by ENTRO.