A global study indicates that shallow groundwater temperatures are projected to rise by an average of 2.1 to 3.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.
Groundwater is extensively used for clean water worldwide. In recent years, many reports have revealed that groundwater levels are significantly decreasing. Even if the falling groundwater levels are somehow controlled, a new study raises additional concerns. This global study predicts that by the end of this century, the temperature of shallow groundwater is expected to increase by 2.1 to 3.5 degrees Celsius from the average. This is problematic because hotter groundwater contains less oxygen, which could lead to the death of fish in rivers that rely on groundwater during dry seasons.
Shallow groundwater is typically found at less than 3 feet below the ground. According to wotr.org, in India, shallow groundwater is available in some areas of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu.
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience indicates that groundwater temperatures are expected to rise due to heat in Central Russia, North China, North America, the Amazon forests, and Australia.
The increase in temperature can pose a significant threat to ecosystems dependent on groundwater. Researchers note that various damages from climate change are being assessed, but not much attention is being given to its effect on groundwater. The biggest concern is the safety of drinking water. The study estimates that by the year 2099, 588 million people around the world will be living in areas where the groundwater will be hotter than the acceptable standards. As groundwater heats up, the number of germs in it can increase, seriously affecting people’s health. The most affected areas will be those where the availability of drinking water is already low.