Question

Explain the factors responsible for the depletion of the water table.

Answer 1

Depletion of water table:

1. The water table is the underground boundary present between the soil surface and the region where the groundwater saturates the spaces between sediments and cracks in rocks.
2. The soil present above the water table is referred to as the unsaturated zone. It is also known as the one of aeration due to the availability of oxygen.
3. Water table depletion is created when water consumption is higher compared to the water renewal rate.
4. The main causes of depletion of the water table are deforestation and overpumping of groundwater.
5. Deforestation is the cutting of trees in the forest land and this affects the rain pattern in that area. It causes the groundwater to run away and results in permanent drying.
6. Overpumping of groundwater reduces the levels of groundwater. Excessive pumping in coastal areas causes saltwater to move inland and results in saltwater contamination.
7. Increasing industries increase the water requirement on a daily basis and increasing population also leads to a decrease in groundwater.
8. Increasing population leads to increased consumption of water for their activities and leads to increased consumption of groundwater and it also allows only less water to seep into the ground.
9. Agricultural activities increase the use of groundwater day by day and thus result in the depletion of the water table.