Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s Post

Water in Deserts "Groundwater is a valuable resource both in the United States and throughout the world. Where surface water, such as lakes and rivers, are scarce or inaccessible, groundwater supplies many of the hydrologic needs of people everywhere. In the United States, it is the source of drinking water for about half the total population and nearly all of the rural population, and it provides over 50 billion gallons per day for agricultural needs. Groundwater depletion, a term often defined as long-term water-level declines caused by sustained groundwater pumping, is a key issue associated with groundwater use. Many areas of the United States are experiencing groundwater depletion." Water Science School (2018, June 6). Groundwater decline and depletion. USGS. https://lnkd.in/gXK2JVYh #desert #groundwater #UJDP #EnvironmentalJustice #Agriculture #ClimateChange

⛈ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤? Permeable pavement catches precipitation and surface runoff, storing it in the reservoir while slowly allowing it to infiltrate into the soil below or discharge through a subsurface drain. What are the Benefits of Permeable Pavement? 1. Reduces the amount of pollutants and runoff volume. 2. Helps in managing urban runoff which can cause floods, severe erosion damage to our stream channels, diminished recharge of groundwater, and degraded habitat for our fisheries. 3. It is a best management practice (BMP) that can alleviate the negative effects of urban runoff. Regulations and Standards: 1. The Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates the quality of the nation’s water bodies. 2. The @National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program establishes pollution limits for anyone discharging into streams and lakes, including cities. 3. In Wisconsin, NPDES permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) which identify performance standards and limits for things like peak flow, runoff volume, phosphorus, and total suspended solids. Credit: YT Oaks Pavers #civilengineering #pavements #hydrology #runoff #future #construction

#BSOpinion | The groundwater reality The need is to enact and, more importantly, enforce well-advised regulations concerning groundwater extraction and rainwater harvesting to improve the health of this vital natural resource, writes Surinder Sud https://mybs.in/2cKB6rQ

Groundwater is rapidly depleting across the globe, causing concern due to its overexploitation in agriculture and in the dry areas. https://lnkd.in/gjU98MUA #GroundwaterDepletion #WaterCrisis #AquiferManagement #WaterConservation #InfrastructureDevelopment #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalScience #SustainableDevelopment

"Many of the aquifers that supply 90 percent of the nation’s water systems, and which have transformed vast stretches of America into some of the world’s most bountiful farmland, are being severely depleted. These declines are threatening irreversible harm to the American economy and society as a whole." While declining groundwater reserves threaten our water security, the consequences of aquifer depletion extend far beyond drying up these underground resources. Aquifer depletion can lead to leaking surface water bodies, land sink, and sea water infiltration into coastal aquifers. In many states, regulation regarding groundwater pumping is loose, if at all present. Rather than putting systems in place to reduce over-withdraws, many state and local agencies are putting together timelines that determine when they will run out of water. Determining how to solve this issue requires an intense multifaceted approach. We need to take a look at agricultural practices surrounding water-intensive crops in areas without sufficient rainfall or aquifer recharge to maintain a sustainable yield that keeps farmers in business. Regulatory agencies need to become more proactive as opposed to reactive when it comes to aquifer pumping and water rights laws, and ultimately prepare for what our society may look like without the bountiful underground water resources that we have so long taken for granted. #aquifers #waterresources #watersecurity #groundwater #sustainability

Exploring the delicate balance between #groundwater regulation and economic growth—Indiana’s approach sheds light on a common struggle. The state tackles the intersection of growing populations, #watershed management, and agricultural needs. This mirrors the situation in #Louisiana’s capital region, where groundwater regulators juggle #saltwater intrusion amid demands from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors—a critical factor in the region’s economic landscape.

This is why source water protection is critical.

Today, let’s talk about something that’s vital but often goes unnoticed #wetlandconservation and why it’s crucial for something many of us rely on every day: #groundwaterrecharge. First off, what are wetlands? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally. Think of marshes, swamps, bogs, or even places that may seem like soggy fields during certain times of the year. These areas might look simple, but they play an essential role in the environment. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Wetlands are like nature’s sponge. They have this incredible ability to absorb rainwater and store it. Over time, this water slowly seeps down through the soil, eventually refilling the underground water reservoirs, called #aquifers. This process is what we mean by groundwater recharge. Why does this matter? Well, about 30% of the freshwater we use comes from groundwater, whether it’s for drinking, farming, or industry. So, when wetlands are protected and healthy, they help ensure that groundwater supplies are replenished naturally. Without wetlands, the water would run into rivers and streams, likely leading to floods and less groundwater. But here’s the catch: we’re losing wetlands. Draining them for development or farming can disrupt this natural process. And when wetlands disappear, so does their ability to recharge groundwater. This could lead to water shortages, especially in places where groundwater is the main source of fresh water. So, why is wetland conservation critical? It’s simple: without wetlands, we risk running low on the very thing that sustains life #water. By protecting these areas, we ensure that future generations have access to clean, reliable groundwater. Protecting wetlands isn’t just about saving plants and animals. It’s about securing our #waterfuture. #environmentalscientist #geologist #

Soil erosion on construction sites is a critical environmental issue, with rates as high as 2000 times greater than in fully vegetated areas. 😮 This sediment runoff poses a severe threat to water quality, highlighting the urgent need for effective erosion control measures. At ECBVerdyol, we are committed to combating this challenge with innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements. Our products are designed to protect water sources by preventing soil erosion, preserving the integrity of our environment for our kids and our kids' kids. #SoilAmendment #SoilMicrobes #SoilMicrobiology #BioticSoil #BioticSoilAmendment #ErosionControlSpecialists #ErosionControlTech

#biochar #stormwater #urbansoil_amendment Can critical intersections between impervious surfaces and pervious soil in urban watersheds be treated with biochar to significantly improve stormwater runoff infiltration and retention, and can those improvements be predicted a priori? In our latest publication we demonstrated that biochar amendment in compact urban soils at impervious/pervious surface disconnections in field can significantly improve soil structure and hydraulic functions through field studies at four sites amended with varying percentages of biochar. Further, we report the first field evaluation of two recently developed models for predicting the effect of biochar on saturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention suggesting their utility as screening tools for informed decision-making of biochar amendments and optimizing stormwater runoff control strategies. Full publication link: https://lnkd.in/eA_M8wix