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.
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.
Does groundwater overdraft lead to flooding?
[See also Hydrologic Cycle.] While many of its individual aquifers are not overdrafted, California as a whole uses more groundwater than is replaced. ... As a result, overdrafting aquifers can have long-lasting consequences that are not resolved by a cloudburst or a flash flood.
What is groundwater in simple words?
groundwater, water that occurs below the surface of Earth , where it occupies all or part of the void spaces in soils or geologic strata. ... Most groundwater comes from precipitation. Precipitation infiltrates below the ground surface into the soil zone. When the soil zone becomes saturated, water percolates downward.
What are the consequences of overdrawing ground water?
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.
Why is groundwater bad?
It can cause land subsidence , because as water is removed from the soil, it collapses and drops. Since groundwater that is very deep or below the oceans is saline, overpumping can cause the saltwater to move inland or upwards, resulting in saltwater intrusion, which can contaminate fresh drinking water.
What overdraft means?
An overdraft occurs when you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a transaction , but the bank pays the transaction anyway.
Why does groundwater overdraft 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 depleted?
Groundwater depletion most commonly occurs because of the frequent pumping of water from the ground . ... As a growing world with a population that continues to rise, the more we pump water from the ground at a rapid rate, the more difficult it is for the groundwater to provide us with the amount of water that we need.
Will groundwater run out?
Groundwater is being pumped faster than it can be naturally replenished . The Central Valley Aquifer in California underlies one of the nation’s most agriculturally productive regions, but it is in drastic decline and has lost about ten cubic miles of water in just four years.
What is importance of groundwater?
Groundwater is a very important natural resource and has a significant role in the economy. It is the main source of water for irrigation and the food industry .
How deep does groundwater go?
Groundwater may be near the Earth’s surface or as deep as 30,000 feet , according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
What is an example of groundwater?
The definition of groundwater, or ground water, is water located beneath the surface of the earth. The water that your well draws from under the ground is an example of groundwater. ... Water beneath the earth’s surface, often between saturated soil and rock, that supplies wells and springs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of withdrawing groundwater?
The advantages of withdrawing groundwater include water for drinking and irrigation; availability and locality; low cost, no evaporation losses ; and it is renewable. Disadvantages include aquifer depletion from over pumping, subsidence, pollution, saltwater intrusion, and reduced water flow.
What are some negative effects of using aquifers?
Some consequences of aquifer depletion include: Lower lake levels or—in extreme cases—intermittent or totally dry perennial streams. These effects can harm aquatic and riparian plants and animals that depend on regular surface flows. Land subsidence and sinkhole formation in areas of heavy withdrawal.
How does groundwater become polluted?
Groundwater contamination occurs when man-made products such as gasoline, oil, road salts and chemicals get into the groundwater and cause it to become unsafe and unfit for human use . ... For example, pesticides and fertilizers can find their way into groundwater supplies over time.
