New research indicates that groundwater temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, posing significant risks to water quality, safety, and ecosystems dependent on this vital resource.
The world's first global groundwater temperature model has predicted that the most substantial warming will occur in Central Russia, Northern China, parts of North America, and the Amazon rainforest in South America.
The research, led by scientists from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, emphasizes that while climate change discussions often focus on weather events and water availability, the impact on groundwater—a crucial element for life on Earth—must also be considered. Gabriel Rau from the University of Newcastle in the UK explained that groundwater is essential for maintaining river flow during dry periods and that warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which could degrade water quality.
Currently, only 18 out of 125 countries have established temperature guidelines for drinking water, according to the World Health Organization. The increase in groundwater temperatures could lead to the growth of disease-causing microbes, thereby compromising drinking water quality, particularly in regions where access to clean water is already limited or where groundwater is consumed without treatment.
The model also showed that under a high-emissions scenario driven by fossil fuel development, groundwater temperatures could rise by as much as 3.5 degrees Celsius. This temperature increase could have severe consequences for local aquatic life, including disrupting spawning processes, which would, in turn, affect industries and communities that rely on these ecosystems. Dylan Irvine from Charles Darwin University in Australia highlighted the potential impacts on local aquatic animals and the broader implications for industries and communities dependent on these ecosystems.