Groundwater provides drinking water for millions of Americans and is the primary source of water to irrigate¹ cropland（农田） in many of the nations most productive agricultural settings. Although the benefits of groundwater development are many, groundwater pumping can reduce the flow of water in connected streams and rivers -- a process called streamflow depletion² by wells. The USGS has released a new report that summarizes the body of knowledge on streamflow depletion, highlights common misconceptions, and presents new concepts to help water managers and others understand the effects of groundwater pumping on surface water. "Groundwater discharge is a critical part of flow in most streams--and the more we pump below the ground, the more we deplete³ water flowing down the stream," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "When viewed over the long term, it is one big zero-sum game."

 

Groundwater and surface-water systems are connected, and groundwater discharge is often a substantial component⁴ of the total flow of a stream. In many areas of the country, pumping wells capture groundwater that would otherwise discharge to connected streams, rivers, and other surface-water bodies. Groundwater pumping can also draw streamflow into connected aquifers⁵（含水层） where pumping rates are relatively⁶ large or where the locations of pumping are relatively close to a stream.

 

"Streamflow depletion caused by pumping is an important water-resource management issue across the nation because of the adverse⁷ effects that reduced flows can have on aquatic⁸（水生的） ecosystems⁹, the availability of surface water, and the quality and aesthetic¹⁰ value of streams and rivers," said Paul Barlow, USGS hydrologist（水文学者） and author on the report. "Managing the effects of streamflow depletion by wells is challenging, particularly because of the significant time delays that often occur between when pumping begins and when the effects of that pumping are realized in nearby streams. This report will help managers understand the many factors that control the timing¹¹, rates, and locations of streamflow depletion caused by pumping."

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