Excessive extraction of groundwater can lead to:

The correct answer is d) All of the above.

Excessive extraction of groundwater can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Lowering of the water table: When groundwater is extracted, the water table drops. This can have a number of consequences, including:
  • Reduced water availability for drinking, irrigation, and other uses
  • Increased risk of drought
  • Increased risk of wildfires
• Saltwater intrusion: When the water table drops, it can allow saltwater to intrude into freshwater aquifers. This can contaminate drinking water and make it unusable for irrigation.
• Land subsidence: When groundwater is extracted, the ground above the aquifer can subside. This can damage buildings and infrastructure, and can also make the land more prone to flooding.

It is important to manage groundwater resources sustainably to avoid these problems. This means extracting groundwater at a rate that does not exceed the rate at which it is replenished. It also means protecting groundwater from contamination.