Water.
It’s something most of us take for granted—turning on a faucet, filling a glass, watering crops. But beneath the surface, a crisis is unfolding, and few people are talking about it.
Groundwater, the lifeblood of so many communities, industries, and ecosystems, is disappearing at an alarming rate. This isn’t just an environmental concern; it’s a business concern, a societal concern, a future-defining issue that we can’t afford to ignore.
That’s why we convened this discussion—a chance to bring together experts, researchers, and business leaders to unpack the complex, often-overlooked reality of groundwater depletion and, more importantly, to explore the solutions that can help mitigate the crisis.
The Epiphany Moment: Water Scarcity in Texas
This conversation was sparked by an offhand comment from my friend, Court Marigan, back in December. Court made a simple but profound proclamation: “Water is becoming scarce in Texas.” Now, I consider myself reasonably informed about sustainability and resource management, but this hit me like a lightning bolt. Texas? Scarce water?
How could that be?
I had always thought of groundwater as an invisible, steady reserve, drawn on for irrigation, municipal supplies, and industry. Sure, I’d heard of saltwater intrusion into aquifers, but that was a niche issue—something local, something technical. But then, within a week, I came across a newly issued report that laid bare the real magnitude of the problem. It was like a puzzle piece snapping into place. The timing was too perfect. I reached out to Superstruct’s team and said, “We need to talk about this.”
And that’s what led us here, to this conversation—a deep dive (pun intended) into groundwater, its critical role, and the urgent need for solutions. Dr. Lara Campbell and her team were generous enough to present their findings publicly for the first time, and what followed was an eye-opening discussion about one of the most pressing yet underappreciated crises of our time.
Dr. Lara Campbell is joined by members of the former President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), alongside industry leaders and stakeholders for this conversation.
What’s Really Happening with Groundwater?
Dr. Campbell opened the discussion with stark realities: “Our groundwater reserves are being depleted far beyond natural recharge rates. Aquifers that took thousands of years to fill are being drained in mere decades. This isn’t just a Texas issue—it’s happening across the U.S. and globally.”
The key takeaway? Groundwater depletion isn’t a distant threat—it’s happening now. Communities relying on groundwater for drinking water, agriculture, and industry are already feeling the effects. Farmers are drilling deeper wells, only to find diminishing returns. Cities are experiencing land subsidence—literally sinking as the ground compacts from the loss of underground water. And industries dependent on stable water supplies are facing increasing financial risks.
One alarming statistic: The Ogallala Aquifer, spanning eight states and providing nearly 30% of U.S. irrigation water, has lost over 50% of its reserves in some areas, with no viable way to replenish them at the current rate of use.
The Business Case: Why This Isn’t Just an Environmental Issue
It’s easy to frame groundwater depletion as an environmental problem, but the economic implications are just as severe.
“As much as this is a crisis, it’s also a business problem—and business problems can be solved,” I pointed out during the discussion. “We need to think about water the way we think about other critical resources. If oil were disappearing at this rate, there’d be a massive mobilization to find alternatives.”
The good news? Solutions exist. Businesses and policymakers can implement strategies today to reduce dependence on depleting aquifers, incentivize sustainable water use, and even create new market opportunities around water conservation.
Solutions That Emerged from Our Discussion
1. Water Efficiency and Circular Use
Industries must shift from a consumption-based model to a circular one, investing in technologies that recycle and reuse water. Dr. Campbell highlighted companies adopting closed-loop water systems, capturing and treating water for reuse rather than constant extraction.
2. Agricultural Innovation
Agriculture is the largest user of groundwater, so solutions must start there. Dr. Campbell’s team has studied irrigation efficiency, soil moisture management, and crop selection as ways to reduce groundwater dependence.
“We’re seeing real success with precision irrigation technologies—systems that use data to water crops exactly when and where they need it, minimizing waste,” she noted. Regenerative agriculture also plays a role, improving soil health and increasing organic matter to retain moisture naturally.
3. Market-Based Water Solutions
One provocative idea: treating water as an asset the way carbon emissions are treated. Water banking—where rights holders trade or lease water allocations—could create incentives for conservation.
“It’s not about commodifying water in a way that makes it inaccessible,” Court chimed in, “but rather creating a system where responsible use is rewarded.” Some states are already experimenting with these models, allowing farmers to sell unused water rights rather than over-extracting under outdated ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ policies.
4. Public-Private Partnerships
Government incentives, coupled with private sector investment, can drive large-scale infrastructure improvements. From modernizing water treatment facilities to funding watershed restoration projects, businesses and policymakers must collaborate to ensure long-term water security.
“Look at Israel... They’ve essentially solved their water crisis through desalination, aggressive recycling, and conservation incentives. It’s a model worth studying.” – Dr. Lara Campbell
The Federal Government’s Role and Policy Recommendations
Despite groundwater’s vital importance, no single federal entity comprehensively manages it. PCAST’s research revealed a patchwork of state regulations, inconsistent data collection, and limited access to high-quality groundwater models.
PCAST’s Key Recommendations:
Create a Centralized Groundwater Data Repository
Designate the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the lead agency.
Establish standardized data collection protocols.
Improve public access to groundwater models and predictive analytics.
Fund Advanced Groundwater Research
Develop chemical fingerprinting methods to track water sources and contamination.
Expand research into managed aquifer recharge (MAR) and alternative irrigation methods.
Incentivize Sustainable Water Use
Align federal funding with states implementing science-based groundwater management.
Support pilot programs encouraging farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture techniques.
Workforce Development for Groundwater Management
Invest in education programs to train hydrologists and groundwater managers.
Establish regional groundwater engagement hubs to support local decision-makers.
Turning Crisis into Opportunity: A Business Perspective
We underscored the economic opportunities embedded in solving the groundwater crisis:
Water Efficiency Technology: AI-driven irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors, and desalination innovations are ripe for investment.
Regenerative Agriculture: Companies promoting soil carbon sequestration techniques can tap into carbon credit markets while improving groundwater retention.
Water Trading Markets: Similar to carbon credits, tradable water rights could allocate water more efficiently while incentivizing conservation.
The Path Forward: Call to Action
This discussion is just the beginning. Superstruct is committed to continuing this conversation, bringing together the right voices to turn insights into action. We’ll be working with businesses, researchers, and policymakers to explore funding mechanisms, pilot programs, and technology-driven solutions that shift our relationship with groundwater from extraction to regeneration.
And this is where you come in. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, investor, or engaged citizen, now is the time to rethink water. What steps can your organization take to reduce groundwater dependence? How can you support policies encouraging sustainable water management? What investments—financial or intellectual—can you make to ensure future generations have access to this critical resource?
Groundwater depletion is an existential threat, but solutions are within reach. Let’s not just talk about the problem—let’s act on it.