Groundwater is a valuable resource that must be protected, since in Switzerland ~80% of drinking water is obtained from groundwater (incl. spring water). Particularly powerful groundwater deposits are often located along large river courses, which often represent heavily populated areas of Switzerland, so that conflicts of interest can hardly be avoided. Contamination from various sources, anthropogenic influences on the hydrogeological system, and climate change have a major impact on groundwater quality and quantity. In order to grasp hydrogeological issues and challenges under the pressure of new developments, to develop solutions and measures and to implement them, there is a great need for a continuous competence building, technical support and a smooth Switzerland-wide exchange between research and various stakeholders. To make a significant contribution to this, the CH-GNet network was created.

Through the work of the CH-GNet, the current but also central future research questions and especially solutions should be made "explicit". This represents a contribution of research and CH-GNet to society. CH-GNet sees itself as a "think tank", whereby one of the most important functions of CH-GNet is the dissemination and explanation of research results as well as the setting of concrete thematic priorities. Purely scientific facts are compiled for the respective main topics. The promotion of a public and scientific debate and the support of the practice are central here. Through this, a strengthening of research advice has to take place. Among other things, this should increase the visibility of groundwater research and the exchange with practice in Switzerland in the long term.