GROUNDWATER OVERUSE AND DEPLETION - Groundwater is the largest source of usable, fresh water. In many parts of the world, domestic, agricultural, and industrial water needs can only be met by using the water beneath the ground. The U.S.G.S. compares the water stored in the ground to money kept in a bank account. If the money is withdrawn at a faster rate than new money is deposited, there will eventually be account-supply problems. Pumping water out of the ground at a faster rate than it is replenished causes similar problems. Groundwater depletion is primarily caused by sustained groundwater pumping. Some of the negative effects of groundwater depletion: Excessive pumping can lower the groundwater table, and cause wells to no longer be able to reach groundwater. As the water table lowers, the water must be pumped farther to the surface, using more energy. Using such a well can be cost prohibitive. Groundwater and surface water are connected. When groundwater is overused, the lakes, streams, and rivers connected to groundwater can also have their supply diminished. Land subsidence occurs when there is a loss of support below ground. This is most often caused by human activities, mainly from the overuse of groundwater, when the soil collapses, compacts, and drops. Excessive pumping in coastal areas can cause saltwater to move inland and upward, resulting in saltwater contamination of the water supply.

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Groundwater Overuse And Depletion

The Groundwater Foundation

Groundwater is the largest source of usable, fresh water in the world.

In many parts of the world, especially where surface water supplies are not available, domestic, agricultural, and industrial water needs can only be met by using the water beneath the ground.

The U.S. Geological Survey compares the water stored in the ground to money kept in a bank account.

If the money is withdrawn at a faster rate than new money is deposited, there will eventually be account-supply problems.

Pumping water out of the ground at a faster rate than it is replenished over the long-term causes similar problems.

Groundwater depletion is primarily caused by sustained groundwater pumping.

Some of the negative effects of groundwater depletion:

Lowering of the Water Table

   Excessive pumping can lower the groundwater table, and cause wells to no longer be able to reach groundwater.

Increased Costs

   As the water table lowers, the water must be pumped farther to reach the surface, using more energy. In extreme cases, using such a well can be cost prohibitive.

Reduced Surface Water Supplies

   Groundwater and surface water are connected. When groundwater is overused, the lakes, streams, and rivers connected to groundwater can also have their supply diminished.

Land Subsidence

   Land subsidence occurs when there is a loss of support below ground. This is most often caused by human activities, mainly from the overuse of groundwater, when the soil collapses, compacts, and drops.

Water Quality Concerns

   Excessive pumping in coastal areas can cause saltwater to move inland and upward, resulting in saltwater contamination of the water supply.

The Groundwater Foundation is operated by the National Ground Water Association.

https://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/groundwater/overuse.html