Over abstraction refers to the excessive removal of groundwater from an aquifer at a rate that exceeds its natural replenishment or recharge capacity. This can lead to various negative environmental impacts, including:
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Depletion of Water Resources: Prolonged over abstraction can result in a significant decline in groundwater levels, reducing the availability of this essential resource for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
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Land Subsidence: The collapse of the ground surface can occur as aquifer pressures drop, leading to changes in the landscape and damaging infrastructure.
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Decreased Water Quality: Lower groundwater levels can lead to increased salinity, particularly in coastal areas where seawater can intrude into freshwater aquifers.
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Ecosystem Stress: Over abstraction can negatively affect ecosystems that rely on groundwater, including wetlands, rivers, and lakes, disrupting habitats for various flora and fauna.
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Reduced Availability for Future Use: As aquifers are depleted, future generations may face water scarcity issues, limiting their accessibility to clean, fresh water.
It's essential for water management practices to balance abstraction rates with recharge rates to maintain the sustainability of groundwater resources.