Background The public water supply for the Slovenian capital Ljubljana and its surroundings is sourced from the Ljubljansko polje and Ljubljansko barje alluvial aquifers. The quality of these ground water sources is being adversely affected by anthropogenic factors, such as urbanisation, traffic and agriculture. These problems call for improved long-term management of the contaminated aquifers using integrated monitoring tools and decision strategies. Objectives An early priority for the LIFE project is to determine the actual conditions and assess the status of alluvial aquifers in the Ljubljana region. Findings from this exercise will inform the development and application of advanced expert tools and field techniques. These will be used to identify pollution sources, delimit deteriorated areas and design an appropriate programme of activities and remedial measures for improving the aquifers’ status. Key anticipated results include: Collection of precise spatial information (integrated using GIS technology) regarding aquifer characteristics (geology, hydrology), pollution sources and the status of ground water quality; Establishment of an advanced conceptual model and integrated database system which will serve as a base for different models of ground water flow, risk assessment in the impact zones and probability assessment of accidental pollution etc; and Production of a comprehensive monitoring network proposal for ground water quality. This will include maps with graphic presentations of pollutant plumes, flow directions and locations of potential polluters. Outcomes from the LIFE project will be new tools for the managers of pollution control systems as well as a programme of activities and remedial measures for improving the management of the aquifers. The new tools will facilitate improved decision making abilities via prompt information about sources of pollutions, direction of spill, travelling time to pumping wells, emergency contacts, responsible institutions and their actions, water chemistry details and remediation activities.