Category:

“Our study has two main findings. First, we show that rapid groundwater depletion is widespread around the world and that rates of decline have accelerated in recent decades, with levels falling by 20 inches or more yearly in some locations. Second, however, our research also reveals many cases where deliberate actions halted groundwater depletion. These results show that societies are not inevitably doomed to drain their groundwater supplies, and that with timely interventions, this important resource can recover,” wrote Debra Perrone, one of three co-authors.

“A wealth of underground water helped create America, its vast cities and bountiful farmland. Now, Americans are squandering that inheritance. The Times analyzed water levels reported at tens of thousands of sites, revealing a crisis that threatens American prosperity. Nearly half the sites have declined significantly over the past 40 years as more water has been pumped out than nature can replenish. In the past decade, four of every 10 sites hit all-time lows. And last year was the worst yet,” wrote Mira Rojanasakul.

“The old regime effectively ignored the risks of aquifers being depleted and groundwater pumping affecting stream flows. Now, groundwater users play by the same rules as surface users who withdraw water from rivers, streams and lakes and have long been required to have licences. The new law exempts homeowners using well water or groundwater for domestic purposes from applying for licences, but requires all “non-domestic” groundwater users — mining companies, pulp and paper companies, farmers, water bottlers and others — to do so,” stated Donna Forsythe.

Because he looked at groundwater differently in the Englishman River, Dr. Gilles Wendling has advanced the science and he has developed a practical application of water balance thinking. His contributions to science-based understanding extend beyond the technical and into the communication and education realm. His work provides a bridge between rainfall and stream health.

“The approach that we took in the Englishman River Watershed was to involve the community,” stated Gilles Wendling. “The long-term health of watersheds depends upon the stewardship of the people who live in the watershed. By getting them involved, the community connects to its watershed, its complexity and how it works. Community members will then be able to more willingly modify their behaviour and management of the land.”

“When much of California is facing drought and limited water supplies, capturing and reusing every drop of water will not only be clever, but crucial. By moving water away from the people and places that need it, stormwater cannot percolate into the ground and replenish water we keep drilling deeper and deeper to reach. Californians can counteract the negative impacts of stormwater runoff by promoting water infiltration at our houses or businesses,” wrote Paula Luu.

Alfonso Rivera is determined to help fill a knowledge gap with his mapping projects and a new book, Canada’s Groundwater Resources, which is aimed at not just researchers but the public. “Nationally we have no idea what our groundwater resources are…we don’t how much we can use, if it is sustainable, how it interacts with ecosystems,” states Rivera.

Linda Nowlan (120p)
A provincewide system would be relatively straightforward to administer, could be easily integrated with surface water licensing, and would honour principles for water law reform set out by the province.

The association represents not only water well drillers, but also geotechnical and geoexchange drillers, pump installers, hydrogeologists, water purveyors who rely on ground water, and technical people from all levels of government.

Groundwater Bylaws Toolkit – cover (360p)
The Toolkit presents the basic principles of groundwater science, outlines the jurisdiction for managing groundwater, and provides practical land use management tools that can be used by local government to support the protection of groundwater resources.