US Geological Survey study finds rapid depletion of groundwater

The US Geological Survey (USGS) in its new study has found that water from the country’s aquifers is depleting at a fast pace.

In its new study, ‘Groundwater Depletion in the United States (1900-2008)’, USGS has examined long-term cumulative depletion volumes in 40 separate aquifers and compiled data based on previous references and from new analysis.

The agricultural, industrial and municipal demand for groundwater has expanded over the years in the country and is fast depleting the groundwater levels.

USGS said groundwater depletion could result in negative consequences, such as land subsidence, reduced well yields and diminished spring and stream flows.

US Geological Survey acting director Suzette Kimball said groundwater provides water for both rural and urban communities.

"It supports irrigation and industry, sustains the flow of streams and rivers, and maintains ecosystems," Kimball added.

"Because groundwater systems typically respond slowly to human actions, a long-term perspective is vital to manage this valuable resource in sustainable ways."

USGS has highlighted two facts from the study to elaborate on the severity of the condition.

The first fact drawn from the study is that from 1900 to 2008 the levels of natural stocks of water found under the land called aquifers decreased by over two times the volume of water found in Lake Erie.

In the second fact, USGS said that groundwater depletion in the country during 2000 to 2008 can explain over 2% of the observed global sea-level rise during that period.

USGS study also revealed that during 2000 to 2008, the average rate of aquifer depletion is about 25km³ per year, while the depletion rate during 1900 to 2008 was recorded at 9.2km³ per year.

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Image: The US Geological Survey headquarters in Virginia, US. Photo: Courtesy of Joshua Davis.