The Ogallala Aquifer as One of the World's Largest One - Essay Example

Aquifers are the porous rock below the earth in which water is stored. A lot of our water supply comes from water wells that are drilled deep down into the aquifers. We need these aquifers to stay unpolluted to continue to enjoy them.

     The Ogallala aquifer is one of the world's largest and is located beneath the Great Plains area of the United States. It is fairly shallow but because of its surface area contains an enormous amount of water. This aquifer is vital for the future of the United States, and yet it is not doing very well. The water in it is running low. As one researcher recently framed the issue:

Many people assume that large groundwater formations may temporarily run low, but will fill again when rainfall is plentiful – as do lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. However, unless the areas impacted are unaffected by the factors that contribute to high evaporation – such as minimal rainfall, abundant sunshine, low humidity, and periodic strong winds – this assumption is not even remotely correct. Therefore, we must find solutions through research to water problems and maintain the aquifer as a continuing resource (Guru, 6).

The problems range in severity and the length of time they will occur. We must take action now to avoid the aquifer's depletion and pollution. We need to preserve its use for future generations. To lose the use of this aquifer would be a serious indictment against the United States and a blow to farmers throughout the Midwest who rely on it to irrigate and water their crops.

     Sadly several new techniques threaten the safety of aquifers. In The Whole Fracking Enchilada by Sandra Steingraber, the author discusses how natural gas is extracted from shale. The process can be very destructive to the environment. We have to be mindful of this in the future as we continue to try to meet our energy needs while preserving the quality of our environment and drinking supply. Excessive water use in the extraction of natural resources is another threat to aquifers.

     We need water to live and be prosperous. We need to respect our natural sources of water and the aquifers around us. Without them, we would have little to live on and little to water our crops. Being reckless with mother nature is how many great civilizations lost their way over the years. We need to respect the Ogallala Aquifer and preserve its use for future generations to come.