What happens if groundwater is overused?

What happens if groundwater is overused?

Land subsidence occurs when there is a loss of support below ground. This is most often caused by human activities, mainly from the overuse of groundwater, when the soil collapses, compacts, and drops.

What is wrong with the Florida aquifer?

Florida’s springs are struggling, though. The Floridan aquifer, the source of groundwater for most of Florida’s springs and 90 percent of the state’s drinking water, is being depleted as water demand from urban areas and unsustainable agricultural practices continually increase.

What causes aquifer depletion?

Aquifer depletion. Stressors that can deplete aquifers include changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns; withdrawal of ground water for drinking, irrigation, and other human uses; and impervious paved surfaces that prevent precipitation from recharging ground water.

Can groundwater be depleted if overused?

Excessive pumping can overdraw the groundwater “bank account” The water stored in the ground can be compared to money kept in a bank account. If you withdraw money at a faster rate than you deposit new money you will eventually start having account-supply problems.

Why is groundwater overused?

1. Because of the vast and increasing population and the resultant higher demand for and unequal access to water. 2. Water supplies are being over-exploited to increase irrigated regions and dry season cultivation in order to promote increased demand for food grains for huge populations.

Is Florida on an aquifer?

Florida has all three types of aquifers in various combinations throughout the state. The Floridan aquifer system (FAS), which underlies all of Florida, is the main source of potable groundwater for much of the state.

What factors have caused Florida’s water quality crisis?

Scientists believe this crisis is due to the mismanagement and over-drainage of freshwater off Florida’s mainland combined with increased water pollution from fertilizers, sewage, and septic tanks.

What is an example of aquifer depletion?

The depletion of the Colorado River and the Ogallala aquifer serve as examples of large groundwater reserves that are being depleted, despite how necessary they are to our economy and well-being.

What are the effects due to overuse of water resources?

When waters run dry, people can’t get enough to drink, wash, or feed crops, and economic decline may occur. In addition, inadequate sanitation—a problem for 2.4 billion people—can lead to deadly diarrheal diseases, including cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses.

What are the reasons for groundwater overuse?

What are the causes and consequences of groundwater depletion?

Ground-water depletion is primarily caused by sustained ground-water pumping. Some of the negative effects of ground-water depletion include increased pumping costs, deterioration of water quality, reduction of water in streams and lakes, or land subsidence.

What is groundwater used for in Florida?

Florida’s fresh water supply is used for public water supply, agricultural irrigation, commercial/industrial/institutional uses, domestic and small public supply, recreational irrigation, and power generation.

What causes water pollution in Florida?

Florida’s springs and groundwater are being polluted by inadequately treated sewage, manure, and fertilizer. Harmful algae outbreaks can have dramatic impacts on water-centric and tourist destinations.

Does Florida have an aquifer?

Where are the aquifers in Florida?

Aquifer facts The Floridan aquifer is found beneath all of Florida and portions of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, and extends into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The Floridan aquifer averages 1,000 feet thick, and freshwater can extend to a depth of 2,000 feet below land surface.

How can groundwater depletion affect streams and water quality?

Some of the negative effects of ground-water depletion include increased pumping costs, deterioration of water quality, reduction of water in streams and lakes, or land subsidence. Such effects, while variable, happen to some degree with any ground-water use.

How can groundwater depletion be prevented?

Minimize runoff, which can carry chemicals into surface water and groundwater. If pesticides, oil, gasoline, or other hazardous products leak or spill onto your driveway or other hard surface, use kitty litter or other absorbent material on the spill. Do not wash down the area. Use water wisely.

Is there an aquifer under Florida?

The Floridan aquifer is found beneath all of Florida and portions of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, and extends into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The Floridan aquifer averages 1,000 feet thick, and freshwater can extend to a depth of 2,000 feet below land surface.

What are the effects of water pollution in Florida?

As a result of polluting our area, it may cause health effects such as respiratory problems, cancer, congenital disabilities, and in some cases, death. Not only this, but pollution affects animals and marine wildlife.