From Fortune:

A new study shows that groundwater is being depleted at unprecedented rates around the world; declines were measured in arid regions with extensive cropland. However, some aquifers have shown sign of recovery due to policy changes. Governments are advised to intervene and better regulate groundwater use to avoid irreversible damage.

Researchers analyzed groundwater data from 170,000 wells and 1,700 aquifers across 40 countries. The findings demonstrated that land subsidence and water scarcity are dangerously increasing. Researchers emphasize the importance of more proactive government policies to mitigate damage due to over-pumping of aquifers.

In most countries, groundwater depletion is alarming, amassing concern nationally and internationally. These findings have shed light on the limitations of water management and implications of unchecked groundwater depletion.

One third of well data analyzed demonstrates severe depletion in the 21st century compared to previous years. Dry regions with extensive farming, such as parts of Iran, northern Mexico, and Southern California, are particularly at risk. Conversely, lowering groundwater depletion in 20% of the aquifers studied presented hopeful signs for aquifer recovery.

But there are glimmers of hope. In 20% of aquifers studied, groundwater depletion has slowed, such as in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Arizona. These examples show that with proper regulation, there’s hope for reversing groundwater depletion elsewhere.

The study suggests that it might be possible to encourage the recovery of some aquifers, but the damage caused by over-pumping groundwater can be irreversible. Protecting groundwater from irreversible depletion requires thorough policies and practices to manage water supplies sustainably.

A former water management official in California emphasized that intervention from regulating authorities is necessary to counter the rapid depletion of groundwater. The results clearly illustrate the need for action to reduce the risks and damages of groundwater depletion in places where it might not be immediately apparent.



Read more: Groundwater is rapidly depleting across the globe