Big drain on groundwater

2012 SCIENCE NEWS TOP 25: 24

Everyone needs fresh water, but sometimes need trumps wise use. Humankind’s thirst is draining many aquifers faster than they can be replenished, with some disastrous effects. A new global map of nations’ varying “groundwater footprints” showed the world’s water supplies being sucked up, much of them used to water crops (SN: 9/8/12, p. 10). By the study’s measure, India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are among the thirstiest countries.