High Rate of groundwater pumping leads to a low supply of water to rivers and lakes. It causes disturbance in the hydrological cycle. Groundwater is the world’s largest freshwater resource and therefore too much water is pumped out for irrigation. But, groundwater is the major contributor to rivers and streams also.
How does it Affect?
The level of decrease in groundwater decreases the discharge of water to surface water– rivers, and streams. If a huge amount of groundwater is pumped out, surface water starts to flow into the aquifer. And, reverse the hydrological cycle. No water is supplied to agriculture units, and crop production stops. Eventually, decrease or stop the flow of water and destroy the ecosystem.
What Reports Say?
According to an article published in the journal Nature October 2019 by Inge de Graaf and his colleagues, “We estimated that, by 2050, environmental flow limits will be reached for approximately 42% to 79% of the watershed in which their groundwater pumping worldwide, and that this will generally occur before substantial losses in groundwater storage are experienced.”
Better Irrigation is the only way to get out of this situation
This is an alarming situation, where all need to get aware of this crisis. In a report, hydrologic suggests that it can decrease by developing better irrigation. Also, less wastage of water could help to save groundwater.
