Report: Groundwater pumping in California has land sinking

This July 23, 2015 photo provided by the California Department of Water Resources shows The Russell Avenue bridge, over the Delta Mendota Canal in Firebaugh, Calif., The drought has caused the bridge to subside until there’s almost no space between bottom of bridge decking and canal water surface. A NASA scientist says in a report released Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015 that parts of California’s Central Valley are sinking faster than ever as groundwater is being pumped during the state’s historic drought. (Florence Low/ California Department of Water Resources via AP)

By Associated Press August 19, 2015 2 min read

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) – Vast areas of California’s Central Valley are sinking faster than in the past as massive amounts of groundwater are pumped during the historic drought, NASA said in new research released Wednesday.

The research shows that in some places the ground is sinking nearly two inches each month, putting infrastructure on the surface at growing risk of damage.

Sinking land has occurred for decades in California because of excessive groundwater pumping during drought conditions, but the new data shows it is happening faster.

Mark Cowin, head of the California Department of Water Resources, said the costly damage has occurred to major canals that deliver water up and down the state. In addition, wells are being depleted, he said.

“Because of increased pumping, groundwater levels are reaching record lows – up to 100 feet lower than previous records,” Cowin said in a statement.