Strategies to Address Risks to Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems

Groundwater, the largest source of freshwater on Earth, is increasingly relied upon as freshwater demands increase for humans and ecosystems, especially under a warming climate. Groundwater is particularly critical in meeting freshwater needs in arid regions that have less reliable surface water sources. We examined risk factors that can affect groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) across Nevada, the driest state in the United States. The risk factors included groundwater withdrawals, climate, ungulates, non-native species, urbanisation, and surface water diversions. We found that almost 40% of the thousands of wells analysed had significantly declining groundwater levels. In addition, the entire state is projected to be more droughty in the future, which will exacerbate other stressors and threats. We also present 10 strategies in four categories (science and monitoring, policy, management, and education) that collectively can address these stressors and threats. These strategies can be used to prioritise work on GDEs to improve their resiliency to disturbance and climate change not only in Nevada, but around the world where similar stressors and threats are being faced.