What is one of the most significant effects of increased droughts on groundwater?

The most significant effect of increased droughts on groundwater is that it leads to lowered water table levels. During periods of drought, there is significantly less precipitation, which means that there is less water available to replenish groundwater supplies. As surface water sources dry up due to the lack of rain, the demand on groundwater increases as people and ecosystems rely more heavily on these resources for drinking water, irrigation, and other uses. This excessive withdrawal, combined with limited replenishment, causes the water table—the upper surface of the saturated zone of groundwater—to drop. This decline can lead to various issues such as reduced water availability for wells, increased energy costs for pumping, and negative impacts on vegetation and the broader ecosystem. Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing water resources effectively in drought-prone regions.