Groundwater: Sinking Cities, Urbanisation, Global Drying, Population Growth

Abstract

An examination of a few examples of aquifer-use shows the importance and fragility of groundwater, with poor management leading to over-extraction by individuals and authorities producing subsidence – sinking cities. Freshwater is one of our most precious resources and it is rapidly disappearing, leading to global drying. At the same time, the global and urban populations are increasing, with civil unrest increasing due, in part, to freshwater shortages. The increasing global population and global urbanisation are driving an increase in water use, restriction of aquifer recharge and increased aquifer pollution. It is argued that urban population growth with attendant increased water use, combined with climate change and poor management, is significant in water stress. Particular attention must be paid to the effect of rising populations on local water resources, especially groundwater, and the knock-on effect on urban sustainability.