Groundwater overdraft occurs when water extraction exceeds the rate of replenishment, leading to declining water tables. Overdraft threatens ecosystems, agriculture, and water security, especially in arid regions. For example, California’s Central Valley has faced severe overdraft issues due to intensive farming and drought conditions.

Subsidence refers to the gradual sinking of land caused by excessive groundwater withdrawal. This irreversible phenomenon damages infrastructure, reduces aquifer capacity, and disrupts ecosystems. Notable examples include parts of the San Joaquin Valley, where land has sunk by over 28 feet in the past century.

Enacted in California in 2014, SGMA aims to ensure sustainable groundwater use by requiring local agencies to create management plans. It addresses overdraft, subsidence, and water quality, promoting long-term resource sustainability. SGMA serves as a model for balancing environmental and human water needs.

South Africa’s NWA is a landmark policy prioritizing equitable water access and sustainability. It integrates environmental and social considerations, making water a public trust. By aligning resource management with environmental justice principles, it serves as inspiration for global water governance.

Groundwater management intersects with environmental justice by addressing who bears the cost of water scarcity and degradation. Marginalized communities often face the brunt of water pollution and shortages, highlighting the need for equitable policies. Addressing overdraft and subsidence is not just an environmental issue but also a justice imperative.