What can result from excessive groundwater extraction?

Excessive groundwater extraction can lead to ground subsidence and reduced water levels. When groundwater is extracted at a rate that exceeds the natural recharge of the aquifer, the supporting pressure in the aquifer decreases. This can cause the ground above it to settle or sink, a phenomenon known as ground subsidence. As a result, local water levels may drop, leading to dried-up wells and affecting the availability of water for consumption and irrigation purposes. This situation can significantly impair the health of ecosystems reliant on groundwater and can lead to increased pumping costs as deeper wells are required to access the dwindling water supply.

In contrast, options suggesting increased water levels, aquifer rehabilitation, or improved water quality would not occur as a direct result of excessive extraction. Instead, these outcomes generally require sustainable water management practices and balanced extraction rates.