Area of Focus: Groundwater

Created: Jan 05, 2007
Updated: Jun 06, 2007

Groundwater

Groundwater

Groundwater is water located beneath the surface of the earth. Groundwater is an attractive water supply source because it is available year-round, does not lose water by evaporation, and usually is of a high quality. Groundwater can be renewed by rain and snowmelt seepage, if it is not overpumped, but the groundwater that was accumulated thousands of years ago (fossil groundwater) is a nonrenewable resource. A disadvantage of groundwater can be the cost of energy to pump it from the ground. Sustainable groundwater management balances withdrawals with recharge. Unfortunately, because of the complex and invisible nature of groundwater supplies, and the lack of laws addressing groundwater extraction, very few aquifers have been managed in a sustainable manner.

FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS

Groundwater Foundation works to engage interest in, and inspire action on behalf of, groundwater protection and conservation initiatives, both locally and globally. It focuses on education for action: understanding that pollution prevention is the most effective...

Tn_acacia

Acacia Insitute works to highlight the important role of groundwater in hydrological processes, as well as groundwater's importance to society. Acacia also wants to accommodate the need for groundwater knowledge and to offer recommendations in those areas...

FEATURED RESOURCES

Uncovering Groundwater Pollution This article, chapter 2 from the 2001 edition of the Worldwatch Institutes's annual "State of the World" report, explores groundwater contamination and its effects on agriculture, human health, and sustainable development...

Tn_usgs

USGS: Ground Water Information This webpage is designed to provide useful information about ground-water resources of the Nation and groundwater activities of the US Geological Survey. It includes statistical data, publications, and other resources.

Did You Know?

At the age of six, Ryan Hreljac learned that without access to clean water people become ill and sometimes even die. He set out to raise $70 towards building a well in Africa and, having reached his goal in four months, Ryan kept working and organizing. He has now raised over $1,500,000 and his work has helped change the lives of thousands of people in Africa who might not otherwise have been able to lead healthy normal lives. Ryan's Well Foundation has come together to continue this important and inspiring work. See its website for more.

Tags/Keywords

aquifer, artesian well, cone of depression, confined aquifer, consumptive use, drawdown, groundwater, infiltration, recharge, overdraft, ground subsidence, unconfined aquifer, produced water, oil and gas extraction, agricultural consumption use, groundwater commons, conjunctive use right, dewatering, groundwater right

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Groundwater

Groundwater

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