Declining aquifer levels raise alarm among hydrologists, officials

Well water declines raise alarm among hydrologists | Bend  The Bulletin

sdgtalks sdgtalks
Apr 13, 2024 - 21:00
0 24
Declining aquifer levels raise alarm among hydrologists, officials

Declining aquifer levels raise alarm among hydrologists, officials
Article Rewrite

Observing Groundwater Levels near Bend, Oregon

Amid patches of snow and ponderosa pines, a half mile from Lava Island Falls in the Deschutes River, a pair of hydrologists with the Oregon Water Resources Department dropped a cable down an observation well to determine the depth of groundwater near Bend.

The cable unwound 169 feet until a beeping sound indicated it finally hit groundwater.

WELL WATER

Mitra Khadka, a hydrologist with the Oregon Water Resources Department, uses an E-Tape to collect data from a well on the Deschutes National Forest west of Bend on Thursday.

Photo by Dean Guernsey/The Bulletin

WELL WATER

Joe Kemper, left and Mitra Khadka, both hydrologists with the Oregon Water Resources Department, collect data from a well on the Deschutes National Forest west of Bend on Thursday.

Photo by Dean Guernsey/The Bulletin

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The observation of groundwater levels is crucial for ensuring access to clean water and sustainable water management.
  2. Goal 15: Life on Land – Monitoring groundwater levels helps in understanding the impact of human activities on land ecosystems and biodiversity.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article discusses the work of hydrologists from the Oregon Water Resources Department in measuring groundwater levels near Bend. This relates to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.

The article highlights the importance of measuring groundwater levels to understand water availability and manage water resources effectively. This aligns with Target 6.4, which focuses on increasing water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

The article mentions the hydrologists using a cable to determine the depth of groundwater, which is a key indicator for measuring water availability and stress. Indicator 6.4.2 specifically measures the level of water stress by calculating the proportion of freshwater withdrawal to available freshwater resources.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

The table summarizes the findings from analyzing the article, highlighting the relevant SDG, target, and indicator related to water management and availability.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: bendbulletin.com

 

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.