Issues concerning abusive groundwater use

Thesis: Groundwater pollution and contamination of our vast groundwater resources are quickly being depleted. In addition, abusive agricultural systems, such as irrigation in the American Southwest, have vastly exacerbated the problem. In this essay, I will address these issues in the public sector, personal life and business practices. To conclude, I will present some solutions that can be used to stop these abusive methods.


I. Intro

II. Groundwater Abuse

A. Irrigation

i. Use leads to lowering of water table and unsustainable agriculture production
ii. Done in areas when safer and practical uses for land can be made

B. Home and Personal use

i. People deplete groundwater by leaving on taps, etc.

III. Groundwater Contamination

A. Personal

i. Pollutants from household chemicals and motor oil leaches into aquifer
ii. Trash disposal in landfills leads to toxic chemicals leaching into the groundwater system.

B. Business/City

i. Industry routinely dumps pollutants in rivers, which absorb into the system
ii. Overuse of aquifer near the coast leads to saltwater intrusion.
iii. Desert cities lower water levels to dangerous areas; can exacerbate drought and sinkhole in arid regions

IV. Solutions

A. Responsible groundwater use

i. Bills like the CWA support responsible and comprehensive control

B. Effective use of irrigation in agriculture

C. Personal Responsibility

i. Cutting down on water use in general

V. Conclusion