Tom Gleeson

Groundwater depletion, contamination, and governance challenges persist despite decades of groundwater research. Scientific methods are crucial yet seem insufficient to inspire the deep emotional and cultural connections needed for real change – groundwater challenges and opportunities are not reaching enough hearts and minds. This article calls for a bold shift: integrating arts-based research into hydrogeology. By blending art forms like drama, visual art, storytelling and music with the scientific process, we can spark more powerful connections to this invisible yet vital resource. Examples of groundwater in diverse art practices already exist and could be expanded in manifold ways through expressions of groundwater tastes, smells, sounds, textures, movements, landscapes, cultures and connections in community and into the future. Art can bridge gaps across disciplines, reach broader communities, and offer fresh ways of thinking about groundwater. From ideation to data collection and communication, the creative process has the power to make hydrogeology more human, emotional, and impactful. This article invites groundwater and environmental scientists to embrace creativity and collaboration with artists and communities to change how we engage and value this invisible resource.