What is overexploitation of groundwater resources?

Overexploitation is defined as intensive groundwater use, either planned or unplanned, which has negative effects (Villarroya and Aldwell, 1998), or where the abstraction rate is greater than the recharge rate (Custodio, 2002).

What is groundwater mapping?

Groundwater (hydrogeological) mapping is one of the main tools for systematic and controlled development and planning of groundwater resources. These maps are used by engineers, planners and decision makers in order to allocate, develop and manage groundwater within a national water policy [18].

How could you find out where the water table is underground?

The most reliable method of obtaining the depth to the water table at any given time is to measure the water level in a shallow well with a tape. If no wells are available, surface geophysical methods can sometimes be used, depending on surface accessibility for placing electric or acoustic probes.

What is overexploitation of surface water and groundwater?

Over-exploitation of ground water lowers water tables, which may damage wetlands, cause ground subsidence, and induce salt-water intrusion in coastal aquifers. Rivers and streams have long been used for discharging the waters.

What is meant by overexploitation?

The unsustainable use of natural resources and overexploitation, which occurs when harvesting exceeds reproduction of wild plant and animal species, continues to be a major threat to biodiversity.

What is aquifer map?

Aquifer mapping can be defined as a scientific process, wherein a combination of geologic, geophysical, hydrologic and chemical field and laboratory analyses are applied to characterize the quantity, quality and sustainability of ground water in aquifers.

How do I find the elevation of my water table?

water-table elevation = land-surface elevation – depth to water below land surface (elevations are in feet NAVD 88; depth is in feet).

How deep is groundwater on average?

Groundwater may be near the Earth’s surface or as deep as 30,000 feet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What are the effects of excessive use of groundwater?

When groundwater is overused, the lakes, streams, and rivers connected to groundwater can also have their supply diminished. Land subsidence occurs when there is a loss of support below ground.