Groundwater is being depleted in most areas of the U.S., not just in the High Plains

Aquifers consisting of underground drinking water in the High Plains states have continued to decline in recent years, with some areas in Texas and Kansas suffering significantly. But a U.S. Geological Survey study released Thursday says the problem is nationwide, and that 40 aquifers have been seriously depleted, reports the Environmental News Service.

From 1900 to 2008, the average rate of depletion per year was 9.2 cubic kilometers, but from 2000 to 2008, the study period, the average rate was 25 cubic kilometers per year. Total groundwater depletion during the 20th Century was 800 cubic kilometers. From 2001 to 2008, the total increased 25 percent, to 1,000 km3. To read the full report click here. (USGS map)