Environmental Science
Groundwater Depletion and Sustainable Aquifer Management
Quick fact
The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the world's largest, has declined by over 15% in volume since the 1950s due to irrigation, and some parts could dry up within decades if current pumping rates continue.
Why this is interesting
We often think of water as flowing in rivers and lakes, but did you know that massive underground reservoirs—aquifers—supply nearly half of the world's drinking water? And these hidden reserves are being drained faster than nature can refill them.