What is a significant concern with excessive groundwater extraction?

Excessive groundwater extraction poses a significant concern because it can lead to land subsidence and reduced water quality. When groundwater is removed at a rate faster than it can naturally be replenished, the pressure that supports the soil and rock layers above it decreases. This loss of pressure can result in the ground sinking or collapsing, known as land subsidence, which can damage infrastructure, alter drainage patterns, and impact ecosystems.

Additionally, as the water table drops due to over-extraction, it can cause the concentration of contaminants in remaining water supplies to increase, leading to deteriorated water quality. This situation can also allow for the infiltration of saltwater in coastal areas, which poses a serious threat to freshwater supplies. As such, addressing groundwater extraction is crucial to maintaining the integrity of both the land and the water supply.