Groundwater overdraft occurs when groundwater use exceeds the amount of recharge into an aquifer, which leads to a decline in groundwater level . This condition is occurring in an increasing number of groundwater basins throughout California, and is impacting the state in many ways.
How does the groundwater level go down?
Droughts, seasonal variations in rainfall, and pumping affect the height of the under groundwater levels. If a well is pumped at a faster rate than the aquifer around it is recharged by precipitation or other underground flow, then water levels in the well can be lowered.
Is groundwater overdraft bad?
Over and above the loss of water resources, groundwater overdraft can harm surface water rights ; diminish river flows; impact fish, animal, and plant communities that depend on groundwater; increase energy costs from pumping; and result in economic impacts on agriculture that depends on groundwater.
How can Overdrafting cause both subsidence and uplift?
When groundwater is extracted the water is primarily pulled from the aquifer which creates a cone depression around the well. ... The increase in width leads to the negative impacts caused by overdrafting, such as drop of the water table, land subsidence, and loss of surface water reaching the streams.
What is groundwater overdraft How does it occur?
Groundwater overdraft occurs when groundwater use exceeds the amount of recharge into an aquifer, which leads to a decline in groundwater level . This condition is occurring in an increasing number of groundwater basins throughout California, and is impacting the state in many ways.
Why is groundwater bad?
Some of the negative effects of ground-water depletion include increased pumping costs, deterioration of water quality, reduction of water in streams and lakes , or land subsidence. Such effects, while variable, happen to some degree with any ground-water use.
What are the disadvantages of groundwater?
- drying up of wells.
- reduction of water in streams and lakes.
- deterioration of water quality.
- increased pumping costs.
- land subsidence.
What are five ways to keep groundwater clean?
- Go Native. Use native plants in your landscape. ...
- Reduce Chemical Use. ...
- Manage Waste. ...
- Don’t Let It Run. ...
- Fix the Drip. ...
- Wash Smarter. ...
- Water Wisely. ...
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
How long does it take for groundwater to go down?
In fact, water in aquifers can take years to centuries to flow back to the surface , as shown in the figure. A typical flow rate for water in aquifers is ten feet per year.
What are 4 effects of groundwater depletion?
Some of the negative effects of ground-water depletion include increased pumping costs, deterioration of water quality, reduction of water in streams and lakes, or land subsidence . Such effects, while variable, happen to some degree with any ground-water use.
Which problem is caused by excessive groundwater withdrawal?
The most severe consequence of excessive groundwater pumping is that the water table, below which the ground is saturated with water, can be lowered . For water to be withdrawn from the ground, water must be pumped from a well that reaches below the water table.
What can happen when too much groundwater is removed from an aquifer?
Too much well use can decrease aquifer’s saturated zone. What can happen when too much groundwater is removed from an aquifer? ... Near ocean coasts, too much removal of fresh groundwater can cause saltwater to move it its place (saltwater intrusion) .
What is the best way to avoid the effects of ground subsidence?
- Don’t plant trees or shrubs too close to your house. ...
- If the offending foliage is already there, don’t dig it up. ...
- Make sure that external guttering, pipes and plumbing are well maintained to avoid leaks.
- Catch rainwater in barrels or butts and use this to water the garden.
What will happen if there is no groundwater?
For Earth as a planet, running out of water has some serious consequences. ... Environmental scientists predict that as well as sinking terrain over extraction of groundwater could also lead to an increased risk of earthquakes due to the fact that the Earth’s crust is becoming lighter.
How long will aquifers last?
Within 50 years , the entire aquifer is expected be 70% depleted. Some observers blame this situation on periodic drought. Others point to farmers, since irrigation accounts for 90% of Ogallala groundwater withdrawals.
What is importance of groundwater?
Groundwater, which is in aquifers below the surface of the Earth, is one of the Nation’s most important natural resources . Groundwater is the source of about 37 percent of the water that county and city water departments supply to households and businesses (public supply).
