The Colorado River Basin Has Lost as Much Groundwater as the Entire Volume of Lake Mead

The Colorado River Basin has lost as much groundwater as the entire volume of Lake Mead

Deep below the surface of the ground in one of the driest parts of the country, there is a looming problem: The water is running out — but not the kind that fills lakes, streams and reservoirs.

Scientists raise red flag over emerging threat killing off iconic desert species: 'Even these beautifully adapted desert plants have their limits'

An American desert icon is dying off in the southwestern United States. Experts say record-setting summers and intense droughts in Arizona are causing a well-known succulent to struggle. What's happening? The saguaro cactus is synonymous with the Sonoran Desert, the region where it grows best. The slow-growing species is hardy and, despite longtime rumors of disease, resistant to blight. According to the National Park Service, the cactus is most…

New study reveals 'quietly disappearing' groundwater in Arizona

New research from Arizona State University professors shows the Lower Colorado River Basin has lost as much groundwater as is contained in Lake Mead over the past 20 years.

Major U.S. Cities Are Sinking Due To Groundwater Overuse, New Research Shows

Across the United States, the ground beneath some of the nation’s largest cities is sinking—a phenomenon known as land subsidence. Recent scientific studies reveal that this is not just a natural process or a quirk of geology, but a growing crisis fueled by excessive groundwater extraction. From sprawling metropolises like Houston and Dallas to rural agricultural zones, communities are using groundwater at rates that far exceed nature’s ability …