15 Questions
What percentage of the rural population in the U.S. relies on groundwater for its needs?
99%
What is one of the main reasons why groundwater is more vulnerable to environmental issues?
Because it's underground and hard to access
What is a potential health risk associated with nitrates in drinking water?
Cancers, miscarriages, and birth defects
Why is groundwater depletion a concern?
Because it takes a long time to refill
What is a source of pollution in groundwater?
Fertilizers and pesticides from agriculture
What can happen when harmful substances get into the soil?
They are washed into aquifers by rain
What is a major use of groundwater in addition to drinking water?
Agricultural irrigation
What happens to the water that is removed from the ground at a fast rate?
It gets moved to another location to water large areas of crops
What is the result of overdrawing groundwater in coastal areas?
Saltwater intrudes into the aquifer
What is the term for the ground sinking down to fill the space below?
Subsidence
What is the analogy used to describe the world's aquifers?
A bank account
What is the problem that occurs when the ground sinks down to fill the space below?
Buckled streets and buildings
What is the result of not depositing enough water into the aquifer?
The aquifer's balance decreases
What is an example of a large-scale subsidence?
Mexico City
What is the comparison used to describe the removal of groundwater?
Letting air out of a balloon
Study Notes
Groundwater Vulnerability
- Groundwater is a vital natural resource, providing water for drinking, household use, crop irrigation, and more.
- Over 1/3 of the global population relies on groundwater, including 99% of rural populations in the U.S.
Pollution Threats
- Pollution is a major environmental issue affecting groundwater.
- Harmful substances can seep into soil and contaminate groundwater through rainfall.
- Agricultural activities, manufacturing industries, and underground storage tanks can all contribute to groundwater pollution.
- Nitrates from fertilizers, in particular, have been linked to cancers, miscarriages, and birth defects in drinking water.
Overdrafting Concerns
- Groundwater can be depleted faster than surface water due to slow aquifer refill rates.
- Large-scale uses like agricultural irrigation can lead to rapid groundwater withdrawal.
- Withdrawals often exceed deposits, causing a "bank account" deficit.
Consequences of Overdrafting
- Overdrafting can lead to saltwater intrusion into aquifers in coastal areas, making water undrinkable.
- Subsidence, or land sinking, can occur when groundwater is removed too quickly, causing structural damage and broken pipes.
- Examples of subsidence include sinkholes and city-wide subsidence, such as in Mexico City, which has sunk over 33 feet.
Groundwater is a vital natural resource that provides water for drinking, household uses, and crop irrigation, but it's vulnerable to environmental issues.
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