Limited Freshwater Availability and the Groundwater Table

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Freshwater is a limited resource, with most stored in glaciers and aquifers. Over-pumping groundwater leads to depletion and land subsidence, making conservation and sustainable practices essential.

Written by Neha Goel TripathiPublished by Workybooks

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Freshwater is essential for life, but it makes up only 2.5% of the Earth’s water. Most freshwater is locked in glaciers and ice caps, leaving less than 1% accessible for human use. This limited availability is further strained by population growth, pollution, and climate change.

The groundwater table is the upper level of underground water stored in aquifers, which are porous rock layers. Groundwater is a critical source of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry. However, over-pumping can lower the groundwater table, leading to depletion and land subsidence (sinking of the ground).

In many regions, groundwater is being used faster than it can be replenished by rainfall. For example, the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States, which supports much of the country’s agriculture, is being depleted at an alarming rate.

To address freshwater scarcity, solutions like water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and desalination (removing salt from seawater) are being implemented. Protecting and recharging aquifers is also crucial for sustainable water management.

Fun fact: If all the Earth’s freshwater were represented by a gallon of water, the amount available for human use would be just one teaspoon!

What percentage of the Earth’s water is freshwater?

10%2.5%50%97.5%

What is the groundwater table?

The surface of the oceanThe upper level of underground water in aquifersA type of glacierA layer of saltwater

What is an aquifer?

A type of glacierA porous rock layer that stores groundwaterA riverA type of plastic

What is one consequence of over-pumping groundwater?

Increased rainfallLand subsidenceImproved water qualityMore freshwater availability

What is one example of a depleted aquifer?

The Amazon RiverThe Ogallala AquiferThe Great LakesThe Pacific Ocean

What is one solution to freshwater scarcity?

Over-pumping groundwaterWater conservationIncreasing pollutionIgnoring the problem

What is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?

Freshwater makes up 50% of the Earth’s waterThe amount of freshwater available for human use is like one teaspoon in a gallonGroundwater is unlimitedAquifers are not important

What is desalination?

Removing salt from seawaterPumping groundwaterPolluting freshwaterMelting glaciers

Curriculum

Common Core standards covered

RI.5.5

Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts.

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