"Global Groundwater Depletion: A Story of Decline and Resilience"
California is facing a significant threat to its groundwater as half a dozen regions in the state rank among the world’s most rapidly declining aquifers, with basins in the San Joaquin Valley being particularly affected. The study, led by University of California and Swiss researchers, highlights the urgent need for more effective measures to address the accelerating groundwater declines, which have led to wells drying out, land sinking, and ongoing regulatory battles over over-pumping by growers. The research also emphasizes the global problem of groundwater depletion and over-pumping, with heavily-farmed regions in drier climates being especially hard hit.