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Drinking water near coasts is under threat worldwide

A recent study reveals that over-abstraction of groundwater and rising sea levels are causing significant changes in coastal groundwater levels globally. The study, which analyzed data from approximately 480,000 wells, found that more than 20% of coastal areas showed significant changes in groundwater levels between 1990 and 2024.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Water·DateApr 14, 2026

Parched Central Valley farms depend on Sierras for groundwater

A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJul 25, 2024

Global groundwater depletion is accelerating, but is not inevitable

Research reveals that groundwater levels are dropping in 71% of aquifers globally, with accelerating declines in drier climates. However, the study also highlights successful interventions, such as water recharge and demand reduction strategies, which can help stabilize or recover aquifer systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2024
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Rivers may not recover from drought for years

Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateOct 11, 2023

An integrated modeling framework to assess surface and ground water resources

Researchers applied a new integrated model linking surface water to groundwater to estimate water resources at high spatial resolution. The study found that irrigation increases atmospheric water loss but reduces groundwater support, especially during dry seasons.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateSep 22, 2022