The determination of environmental background values for groundwater was recognized as a prerequisite and key step for the scientific identification, evaluation, and prevention of groundwater pollution. In this paper, the development history of groundwater environmental background value research was reviewed both domestically and internationally. Existing calculation methods for groundwater environmental background values were discussed along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The research paradigm for background value reasonableness validation analysis and cause analysis was systematically summarized. Finally, existing problems in current groundwater environmental background value research were identified, and future development trends were projected. It was observed that inconsistencies in naming and definitions of groundwater environmental background values persisted among scholars worldwide. Although the influence of human activities on groundwater chemical components had been considered, quantitative determination of the "low human activity impact" threshold in conceptual frameworks remained challenging. Methods for determining environmental background values were generally categorized into mathematical-statistical approaches, model-based methodologies, and other alternative techniques. Each method was found to possess distinct advantages and limitations. The combination of hydrochemical analysis with mathematical statistics was demonstrated to emerge as one of the representative integrated approaches for calculating groundwater environmental background values, though methodologies for trace and micro-component analysis were noted to require further development. The reasonableness of environmental background values was typically assessed through comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors including surrounding pollution sources, hydrogeological conditions, lithological characteristics, land use patterns, pollution percentage indices, and stable isotope results. Regional geological settings and hydrogeological conditions were identified as primary controllers of groundwater environmental background values, while biogeochemical processes were determined to dominate micro-enrichment mechanisms. Based on established environmental background values, groundwater pollution levels were effectively evaluated, pollution risk areas were scientifically delineated, and reference thresholds were provided for environmental regulation and remediation targets. Future priorities were emphasized to include the urgent establishment of a global groundwater environmental background value database, enhanced application of existing background value data, and strategic utilization of big data analytics. These measures were proposed to optimize global groundwater resource protection and pollution control strategies under combined pressures of climate change and anthropogenic impacts.