In recent years we have become more aware of environmental threats than we once were. Many countries, especially more economically developed nations, have laws and guidelines to help protect the environment.
Economic development brings industry and larger cities.
Both demand more services and amenities. This places greated pressure on the environment and there are many possible sources of pollution. In developed nations water is brought to our homes in sealed pipe systems kept well away from sources of pollution. Even in developing nations the dangers of pollutants seeping through the surface into wells must be small. A fragile resource Groundwater is vulnerable to pollution.