Based on a new study, researchers have predicted that the temperature of groundwater will increase by the year 2100, which will impact drinking water sources and ecosystems. Researchers created the first global groundwater temperature model and found that groundwater temperatures are expected to increase by 2.1 to 3.5°C, with regions such as Northern China, the Amazon Rainforest and Australia witnessing an extreme level of groundwater warming. According to researchers, warming groundwater could support the growth of pathogens and contaminants in the water, limiting drinking water sources. Furthermore, several industries that rely on groundwater, such as manufacturing and agriculture, could be impacted. This study highlights the importance of protecting groundwater from the impacts of climate change.
DID YOU KNOW?
India uses the most groundwater compared to any other country. As of 2023, India’s groundwater extraction was 241.34 billion cubic metres.