It provides a comprehensive quantitative overview of global water resources, with a focus on hydrological variability and trends.

Key Findings of Report

• Global Trends: 
  • In 2025, 34% of global groundwater observation stations reported below-normal or much-below-normal water levels.
  • Multi-year persistent groundwater deficits (2022-2025) were recorded across parts of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, India, southern Africa, and Australia.
• India-Specific Findings: Groundwater levels in India particularly across northern and north-western regions are experiencing persistent depletion.
  • Over-abstraction is identified as the primary factor driving this decline.

Challenges in Groundwater Management

• Uncontrolled Extraction: Widespread adoption of low-cost drilling tools and pumping equipment has led to rapid, unmonitored abstraction.
• Water Quality Degradation: Aquifers are increasingly contaminated by industrial effluents, mining activities and naturally occurring toxic substances like arsenic and fluoride.
• Climate Variability: Unpredictable rainfall patterns and rising temperatures aggravate multi-year drying trends.
• Regulatory Gaps: Managing decentralized extraction remains challenging across diverse hydrogeological zones.