This paper reviews the occurrence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in groundwater, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, veterinary medicines, and industrial compounds. The sources, pathways, and fate of EOCs in groundwater are discussed, with data from targeted studies and broad reconnaissance surveys from 14 countries. Nanogram-microgram per liter concentrations of EOCs, along with their metabolites and transformation products, are present in groundwater and can pose a threat to freshwater bodies due to long groundwater residence times. The paper highlights the need for better understanding of the spatial and temporal variation of EOCs in groundwater, as more of these contaminants are likely to have drinking water standards and environmental quality standards in the coming decades. The review also discusses the regulatory frameworks for EOCs in groundwater, the sources and pathways of EOCs, and the fate of EOCs in the subsurface. Key findings include the persistence of EOCs in groundwater, the importance of natural attenuation processes, and the role of redox conditions in controlling the fate of EOCs. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in our understanding and areas for future research.This paper reviews the occurrence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in groundwater, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, veterinary medicines, and industrial compounds. The sources, pathways, and fate of EOCs in groundwater are discussed, with data from targeted studies and broad reconnaissance surveys from 14 countries. Nanogram-microgram per liter concentrations of EOCs, along with their metabolites and transformation products, are present in groundwater and can pose a threat to freshwater bodies due to long groundwater residence times. The paper highlights the need for better understanding of the spatial and temporal variation of EOCs in groundwater, as more of these contaminants are likely to have drinking water standards and environmental quality standards in the coming decades. The review also discusses the regulatory frameworks for EOCs in groundwater, the sources and pathways of EOCs, and the fate of EOCs in the subsurface. Key findings include the persistence of EOCs in groundwater, the importance of natural attenuation processes, and the role of redox conditions in controlling the fate of EOCs. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in our understanding and areas for future research.