How does human activity, like irrigation, impact groundwater levels?

Question

It doesn’t affect groundwater because irrigation uses surface water only.
It can lower groundwater levels by removing water faster than it is replenished.
It causes groundwater to rise, flooding nearby farms.
It increases groundwater levels by bringing water from rivers underground.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: It can lower groundwater levels by removing water faster than it is replenished.

Irrigation often increases the extraction of water from the ground, leading to lower groundwater levels, especially in areas where water is withdrawn more quickly than it can be naturally replenished through precipitation or other sources. Over time, this can lead to depletion of groundwater resources, affecting water availability for ecosystems, agriculture, and human consumption.