Water extraction services are essential for providing clean water to communities, industries, and agriculture. However, the process of extracting water from underground aquifers or surface water sources can have significant environmental consequences.
Excessive water extraction can deplete groundwater aquifers, which are vital sources of drinking water. Over-pumping can cause aquifers to drop, leading to a decline in water availability and potentially causing land subsidence.
Water extraction from coastal aquifers can induce saltwater intrusion, whereby saltwater from the ocean seeps into freshwater aquifers. This can contaminate drinking water sources and harm marine ecosystems.
Water extraction from rivers and wetlands can alter habitats, affecting fish, wildlife, and vegetation. Reduced water levels can disrupt ecosystems, displace species, and reduce biodiversity.
Therefore, it is crucial to implement sustainable water management practices, such as water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and alternative water sources, to mitigate the environmental impacts of water extraction.