Groundwater to become undrinkable by the year 2099: Report
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Global Temperature Increase Forecast
A new global study predicts that shallow groundwater temperatures could rise by 2.1 to 3.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
First Global Groundwater Model
This forecast is based on the world’s first global groundwater temperature model, developed by researchers including Dr. Gabriel Rau from the University of Newcastle and Dr. Dylan Irvine from Charles Darwin University.
Regional Hotspots Identified
The model identifies Central Russia, Northern China, parts of North America, and the Amazon rainforest as regions expected to experience the most severe groundwater warming. Australian groundwater temperatures are also projected to increase significantly.
Critical Importance of Groundwater
Dr. Irvine highlights groundwater’s essential role in supporting life on Earth and warns that rising temperatures could threaten ecosystems that depend on it.
Overlooked Climate Impact
The study emphasizes the need to consider the effects of climate change on groundwater, in addition to its impact on weather events and water availability.
Implications for Water Quality
Warmer groundwater holds less dissolved oxygen, which could lead to fish deaths in rivers that rely on groundwater during dry periods, according to Dr. Rau.
Threats to Drinking Water Safety
By 2099, between 59 and 588 million people could be living in areas where groundwater temperatures exceed the highest drinking water temperature guidelines, posing risks to human health.
Increased Pathogen Growth
Higher groundwater temperatures could promote pathogen growth, particularly threatening regions with limited access to clean drinking water. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production, which rely heavily on groundwater, could face significant disruptions due to rising temperatures.
Interactive Visualization Tool
The research team has created an interactive online tool using Google Earth Engine, allowing users to explore projected groundwater temperatures at various depths and climate scenarios. The study’s findings have been published in Nature Geoscience.