Today, the field of hydrogeology faces the urgent challenge of managing groundwater in ways that are both scientifically robust and socially relevant, while also meshing with other environmental water compartments to achieve integrated regional water management. Hence, groundwater specialists must strive to engage with the broader scientific community and various stakeholders, not only to transfer hydrogeological knowledge, but also to fully consider how knowledge and engagement of local communities may contribute to groundwater research. This session will explore the concept of socio-hydrogeology, seeking to bridge the gap between conventional hydrogeological studies and the social, cultural, and political realities that shape water use and governance. Central to this approach is the intentional inclusion of scientific, popular, and First Nations knowledge within hydrogeological research. The less conventional knowledge systems, often grounded in deep, geographically based understanding, can reveal patterns of groundwater behavior, highlight vulnerabilities, and support more resilient management practices. An additional focus will be the transfer of hydrogeological knowledge to a broad spectrum of stakeholders — ranging from local users, youth, policymakers and industry. Finally, we are keen to understand how scientific data and knowledge can support day-to-day decision-making by regional authorities responsible for land use planning, or for regulating and establishing policies for the protection and development of the region. Presentations that address communication strategies, participatory mapping, visual storytelling, and methods that foster two-way dialogue are encouraged. Through this session, we aim to showcase innovative research and initiatives that advance groundwater science while responding to local needs and values. As such, this session promotes socio-hydrogeology as an interdisciplinary space where science and society can co-create and engage in sustainable solutions for groundwater management, with the emerging concept of participatory action research as a guiding principle.

• 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm | Supporting regional water stakeholders to better protect drinking water sources in Quebec – Lisa Ramin
• 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Building decision-support tools for groundwater sustainability planning: challenges from the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region (Quebec, Canada) – Mojgan Bordbar
• 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Piggybacking on a community-based water quality survey program to learn about lake-groundwater interaction – Brian Smerdon
• 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm | From Rods to Results: A Scientific Experiment on Dowsing – Geneviève Bordeleau
• 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Building Understanding Layer by Layer: Visualizing and Communicating Groundwater Systems – Melissa Bunn
• 3:15 pm – 3:30 pm | Building Community Involvement in Socio-Hydrogeology – Hugh Simpson