Numerical groundwater models have been used by the Environment Agency and its predecessors for over 30 years to help understand the behaviour of aquifer systems and as one of the tools to help manage groundwater resources effectively. The Agency has recently reviewed the past use of distributed numerical models with a view to improving their utilization for groundwater resource management. This is particularly important due to the changes in groundwater management strategies that will occur as a consequence of the new European Union Water Framework Directive. The review has highlighted a number of areas where changes are desirable. Three in particular are the role and importance of the conceptual model, the requirement for a nationally coordinated programme of modelling and the need to develop further the Agency’s in-house modelling expertise. The Agency is currently developing proposals in these and other areas as part of a Research and Development project.

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The author cites many discrepancies in using river basins as a framework for water resources planning, development, and management. He suggests that a national planning framework, an urban region framework, or increased attention to regional externalities might be viable. However, basically the author is seeking to elicit suggestions and recommendations from the readers.

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