What term is used to describe the overpumping of groundwater?

The term "mining" is often used to describe the overpumping of groundwater because it draws upon the aquifer in a manner similar to mining natural resources. In this context, mining refers to the extraction of water from the ground beyond what can be naturally replenished by precipitation or other sources. This can lead to a long-term decrease in the groundwater supply, analogous to how mineral resources can be depleted through excessive extraction.

In cases of groundwater mining, the impacts are significant, as it can result in lowered water tables, reduced water quality, and disruption of local ecosystems, as well as potential land subsidence. The term highlights the unsustainable nature of withdrawing groundwater without sufficient consideration for recharge rates.

Other terms, while related, do not convey the same implications of sustainability and resource management in the context of groundwater use. Depletion might describe the state of reduced water levels, extraction refers more generally to the act of pulling water out of the ground, and consumption typically relates to the use of water rather than the physical act of withdrawing it from groundwater sources. Thus, "mining" effectively captures the essence of overpumping as a critical environmental issue.