This keynote paper addresses several issues central to the conference theme of “Change, Challenge and Opportunity”. For hydrogeologists to exert greater influence on groundwater management globally, proper education and training is essential. Universities play a key role in educating hydrogeologists in the fundamental principles of groundwater science through taught Masters and other degree programmes.

Estimating pumping rates for the purpose of equipping boreholes with suitable pumps that will not over abstract either the boreholes or the aquifer(s) that are intersected is often assessed through test pumping of the boreholes prior to pump selection.

The study area is located in a Swiss alpine valley at the border between Switzerland and France and is situated in Valais. It is delimited by the hydrologic catchment of the river “La Vièze de Morgins”. The catchment area is situated in the Municipality of Troistorrents and of Monthey. Its population is approximately 4500 inhabitants.