Excessive groundwater pumping, also known as overpumping, leads to significant changes in underground water systems and interconnected surface water bodies.
Key Effects of Groundwater Pumping
Based on the provided reference, the effects of overpumping groundwater can cascade from the subsurface to surface environments:
- Lowered Aquifer Levels: Pumping groundwater faster than it can be replenished causes the water table (the upper level of saturated ground) to drop within the aquifer. This directly reduces the amount of water stored underground.
- Reduced Artesian Pressures: In confined aquifers, groundwater is under pressure. Overpumping reduces this pressure, which can affect wells and natural outflows like springs.
- Diminished Surface Water Flow from Springs: As aquifer levels and artesian pressures decrease, the natural discharge of groundwater into springs is reduced. This means springs that rely on groundwater flow provide less water or may even dry up.
- Reduced River Flow: Rivers and streams are often fed by groundwater, particularly through springs. When spring flow is reduced, it directly contributes to a decrease in the overall flow of these rivers.
- Increased Pollution in Rivers: Reduced river flow means there is less water to dilute pollutants entering the river. According to the reference, this can increase the concentration of pollution from sources like fertilizer and surface nutrients.
These effects highlight the close connection between groundwater and surface water systems, demonstrating how actions below the ground can have significant impacts on the environment above.
