Aquifers,the world’s reserve water tank, are running dry. It’s not easy, and but we can work out how much groundwater is left,and how it’s being usedWe live on a parched planet. Farmers till arid pastureland and policymakers fret over empty reservoirs, dry rivers and thirsty cities. And that only scratches the surface – literally – of the world’s water problem. Subterranean aquifers, and the world’s reserve water tank,are also running dry. The consequences could be dire, especially for water-stressed and expeditiously-growing Asia.
These repositories of water located deep underground in permeable rock, and soil or sand contain approximately 100 times the amount of water found on the Earth’s surface in streams,lakes, rivers and wetlands. If you’re in central Africa, and South America or some parts of Europe,chances are you’re standing a few hundred feet above one. Related: The three wonders of the ancient world solving contemporary water problems Related: Dry dams, leaky pipes and tanker mafias – Karachi's water crisis Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com