2.4.4. OVER UTILIZATION OF GROUND WATER AND SURFACE WATER

Over use of groundwater has following effects.

1. Lowering of water table: Excessive use of ground water for drinking, irrigation and domestic purposes has resulted in rapid depletion of ground water in various regions leading to lowering of water table & drying of wells. The reasons for shortage of water are: a. Increase in population, b. Increasing demand of water for various purposes. c. Unequal distribution of fresh water. d. Increasing pollution of water sources cause over exploitation.

The overuse of groundwater primarily leads to the lowering of the water table, which is the underground layer where water is stored. This occurs because water is extracted faster than it can be replenished. As more wells are dug and more water is used for drinking, irrigation, and other needs, the water level in the underground aquifers decreases. Various factors contribute to this situation: an increasing population demands more water; agricultural and urban uses rise simultaneously; not all regions have equal access to water resources; and pollution further contaminates and limits usable water sources.

Imagine a bathtub that is constantly being filled while also being drained simultaneously. If you use the tap aggressively without letting it fill up, the water level will eventually drop, causing the tub to become dry. Similarly, our groundwater acts like this bathtub—if we don't balance our water use with its natural replenishment, we risk running dry.

2. Ground subsidence: When ground water withdrawal is greater than its recharge rate, the sediments in the aquifer become compacted. This is called ground subsidence which may cause damage of buildings, destroy water supply systems etc.

Ground subsidence occurs when too much groundwater is taken out of underground aquifers, and the pressure that keeps sediments in the ground stable is lost. This compacts the sediments causing the land above to sink or subside. The consequence can be severe, leading to structural damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, as well as disrupting local water supply systems. Essentially, it’s like taking too many building blocks out of a stack—the whole structure may collapse if the balance is disturbed.

Think of a sponge soaked with water. If you keep pressing on it to extract water repeatedly without allowing it to soak up more water, the sponge may become compact and lose its shape. Similarly, when excessive water is withdrawn from the ground, the land above sinks, damaging the utilities and structures.

3. Drought. A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply whether surface or underground water. Generally, this occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation.

A drought is identified as a prolonged period with significantly less water availability than usual. This can affect both surface water—like rivers and lakes—and groundwater. Droughts can occur due to long stretches of low rainfall, resulting in dry soil, empty reservoirs, and challenges for agriculture, wildlife, and human water consumption. It’s commonly classified into four types: meteorological (based on rainfall), hydrological (related to water levels), agricultural (concerning crop water needs), and socioeconomic (relating to the demand for economic goods due to water scarcity).

Imagine a garden that relies solely on rain for moisture. If it doesn't rain for an extended time, the plants will weaken or die because they can't access the water they need. In the same way, when we have a drought, just like that garden, people, animals, and ecosystems suffer due to the lack of water.

We can define drought in four main ways: a) Meteorological drought: related to rainfall amounts b) Hydrological drought: determined by water levels in reservoirs c) Agricultural drought: related to the availability of water for crops d) Socioeconomic Drought: related to demand and supply of economic goods.

Each type of drought encompasses different aspects of water scarcity. Meteorological drought focuses on low precipitation, which can be detected through weather patterns. Hydrological drought assesses the impact of this low rainfall on water bodies like rivers and lakes. Agricultural drought looks at how this affects farming, as crops rely on soil moisture. Lastly, socioeconomic drought highlights the real-world implications when demand for water exceeds supply, linking water scarcity to economic factors and overall societal well-being.

Consider a buffet dinner where there are limited dishes available. If too many guests show up, some will leave hungry—that’s like a socioeconomic drought. While there may be food (water) available, it's not enough to meet everyone's needs. Each type of drought adds another layer to understanding how water scarcity affects different parts of our lives.

FLOODS A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land which is normally dry. The European Union (EU) Floods Directive defines a flood as a covering by water of land not normally covered by water.

Flooding occurs when water flows over the banks of rivers or lakes, or when rainwater accumulates in areas where the soil is unable to absorb it. This event can damage homes, infrastructure, and ecosystems, leading to various challenges for affected communities. Flooding can result from excessive rainfall, melting snow, or even the failure of dams, showcasing the complexities of water management and natural hydrology.

Picture a sponge that’s completely saturated; if you pour more water on it, it overflows. Similarly, when a river gets too much rain or water too quickly, it can swell beyond its banks, flooding the surrounding area like that sponge spilling over.

--