More than two decades of data have been used to determine a gradual loss of both surface and subsurface supplies across swathes of the continent.
Scientists at University College London, in collaboration with Watershed Investigations and The Guardian, have determined a sharp decline in total water storage in southern and Central Europe. This includes Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and South East England, among other locations.
The team applied technology used to detect changes in the Earth’s gravitational field to weigh groundwater, lakes, rivers, soil moisture and glaciers. Although northern and northwestern regions were increasing reserves of water, the opposite was true in the south and southeast. Most worryingly, this trend was true for both surface water and groundwater. The latter is considered to be far more resilient to weather and climate changes.
‘When we compare the total terrestrial water storage data with climate datasets, the trends broadly correlate,’ said Mohammad Shamsudduha, professor of water crisis and risk reduction at University College London. ‘Overall, the west is getting wetter while the east is becoming drier, and that signal is getting stronger.’
Diverging rainfall patterns, such as heavier downpours and longer dry spells, are proving particularly challenging in areas where groundwater supplies public water networks. In southeastern England, for example, 70% of water used for drinking and washing comes from this reserve. Meanwhile, the EU’s 27 member states are recording a rise in groundwater body abstractions – where water is removed, temporarily or permanently – even though overall usage is declining. The European Commission has already announced plans to bolster resilience, in part by reducing the risk of leakage. In some countries up to 57% of water is lost through unnecessary waste.
Image: Sam Herriott / Unsplash
More Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nature & Sustainability:
York country park uses local tech for landmark biodiversity drive
Why London, Manchester, Calderdale, Dorset, Herts leaders backed Devolution nature amendments