The blind spot in water sustainability: why do we have such low desire for good water quality?

We review anthropogenic water pollution, and find that it is spreading in rivers and aquifers at an alarming rate. Actions advocated by the United Nations have thus far resulted in more improvements in water quality of surface water than that of groundwater. Here, we argue that the nature of anthropogenic pollution has evolved over time, so that traditional indicators such as biological oxygen demand are no longer adequate. We further argue that overexploitation of groundwater and climate change (extremes and, possibly, reduction of rainfall and/or increase in evapotranspiration) are causing a reduction of the environmental services of groundwater dependent aquatic ecosystems and, specifically, the pollutant removal capacity. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to restore natural surface water-groundwater interactions. To this end, we need to either reduce pumping (e.g., through conjunctive use) or expand managed aquifer recharge. While these measures would help in improving water quantity and quality simultaneously, current regulations favor neither because of concerns about their possible negative impacts. Determining how to implement these solutions is itself a challenge. Considering that the scientific literature is still centered upon water scarcity and declining water levels, we call for a common front of researchers in hydrology and sister sciences to address this fast-evolving pollution crisis in our water systems. As Bill Clinton famously said,”it’s the pollution, stupid!”.