Nearly 99% of all freshwater resources globally come from groundwater. It supports agricultural production, helps keep ecosystems functioning, and sustains drinking water for more than one-third of the global population.
However, in many agricultural regions, groundwater is being pumped faster than it can naturally recharge, threatening river flows, related ecosystems, and long-term water security. A team of scientists from Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and Cornell University, is calling for a shift toward a new framework to support decision-making across scales.
Focus on identifying realistic pathways
In a new commentary published in Nature Water, the researchers argue that groundwater science must move beyond documenting groundwater depletion and focus on identifying realistic pathways that can help balance food production, environmental health, and long-term groundwater sustainability.
Water bankruptcy
“When we repeatedly extract more groundwater than nature can replace, we are effectively drawing down a finite reserve. That trajectory can lead to what many describe as ‘water bankruptcy.’ Avoiding that outcome will require coordinated action across agriculture, water management, and environmental protection,” said Dr. Inge de Graaf, Associate Professor, Earth Systems and Global Change at WUR.
Moreover, the researchers highlight three key areas where stakeholders must work together to advance sustainable groundwater use: characterizing dynamic groundwater-informed boundaries, assessing system-wide impacts and trade-offs, and designing feasible adaptation strategies across scales.
“Producing food for a growing population is draining groundwater worldwide”
Essential for future generations
"Groundwater is hidden from our view, but it should not be hidden from decision-making,” said Dr. Anton Urfels, Senior Scientist for Water Management at IRRI. “We should draw attention to its importance, the harmful impacts of over-extraction, and adopt a systems approach considering food, nature, and climate that helps us design effective, long-term solutions. Those are essential if we are to sustain groundwater for future generations,” he added.
Looking ahead, the researchers see opportunities to strengthen collaboration between groundwater scientists, agricultural researchers, and water managers to better understand how groundwater can support both food production and environmental sustainability. Future work could combine global modelling efforts with regional case studies and stakeholder engagement to develop more actionable approaches for sustainable groundwater management.