What happens during overdraft of groundwater?

What happens during overdraft of groundwater?

• A. Groundwater recharge is enhanced
• B. Water is extracted faster than it can be replenished
• C. Water quality improves
• D. Surface water levels increase

Answer: (B)

During overdraft of groundwater, water is extracted faster than it can be replenished. This situation arises when the rate of groundwater withdrawal exceeds the natural recharge rate from precipitation, surface water, or other sources. As a consequence of this imbalance, aquifers can become depleted over time, leading to several detrimental effects such as lower water levels, increased pumping costs, and potential land subsidence. When groundwater is overdrafted, the sustainable yield of the aquifer is compromised, which can result in long-term water shortages for agricultural, residential, and industrial uses. The other choices do not accurately reflect what happens during groundwater overdraft. Enhanced groundwater recharge, improved water quality, and increased surface water levels are all contrary to the effects of overdraft, which primarily concerns the unsustainable extraction of water resources.

During overdraft of groundwater, water is extracted faster than it can be replenished. This situation arises when the rate of groundwater withdrawal exceeds the natural recharge rate from precipitation, surface water, or other sources.

As a consequence of this imbalance, aquifers can become depleted over time, leading to several detrimental effects such as lower water levels, increased pumping costs, and potential land subsidence. When groundwater is overdrafted, the sustainable yield of the aquifer is compromised, which can result in long-term water shortages for agricultural, residential, and industrial uses.

The other choices do not accurately reflect what happens during groundwater overdraft. Enhanced groundwater recharge, improved water quality, and increased surface water levels are all contrary to the effects of overdraft, which primarily concerns the unsustainable extraction of water resources.