The study, which covers the period from 1980 to the present, shows a significant decline in groundwater water levels worldwide. This decline has increased since the turn of the century due to excessive water use, especially in agriculture.

What’s the problem

Climate change, unstable precipitation regime and growth of the global population – all this significantly deepens the problem of rapid depletion of groundwater.

A critical factor contributing to this problem in arid regions Intensive use of these regions in agriculture. Overextraction of water for irrigation, exacerbated by the impact of climate change on food production, is exacerbating the problem.

The increasing demand of the world population to increase crop production is further depleting already depleted groundwater resources.

Vicious circle

Changes caused by climate change, especially increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall, have led to the need for more intensive irrigation of agricultural products in some regions.

Paradoxically, the increase in precipitation in some regions as a result of climate change further aggravates the problem. Excess water often runs off without replenishing groundwater, especially in areas with high levels of soil compaction, such as urban centres.

Humanity is trying to fight

Despite worrying trends, some examples show that proactive measures can produce positive results.

• Restoration of the Geneva aquifer, which specifically provides water 700,000 peopleIt is an example of a successful intervention. Realizing the sharp drop in water levels, authorities implemented strategies such as artificially replenishing water from the Arve River, stabilizing and eventually raising the groundwater level.
• A similar effort was seen in Spain, where a pipeline from the Pyrenees was built to recharge Los Arenales groundwater.
• In Arizona, removing water from the Colorado River creates problems such as drying out of the river delta, but it helps replenish groundwater reservoirs.

Scientists emphasize that urgent additional measures must be taken against groundwater depletion, especially in semi-deserts and deserts where recovery may take centuries.

If groundwater levels fall below critical levels, coastal areas face the threat of additional seawater intrusion, leading to salinization of wells and damage to the environment.