South Africa’s Underground Water Supply Is Drying Up

A new global study reveals that water levels are falling in nearly one-third of the boreholes examined. The main cause is unsustainable pumping to irrigate crops, supply homes, and support industrial growth. In South Africa, groundwater provides 66% of the water used for irrigation. As boreholes run dry, farmers and cities face a growing crisis. Without changes in water use, the country’s underground reserves may soon be unable to meet demand.