Final answer:
The decline in the water table around a pumped well is called a drawdown, which can create a cone of depression and lead to various environmental issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drop in the water table around a pumped well is known as a drawdown. When water is excessively pumped from wells, it can cause a significant decline in the water table, leading to a cone of depression. This drop in the water table can have various environmental impacts, such as changing the direction of groundwater flow and potentially introducing pollution to the well. These changes can also contribute to the depletion of surface water bodies like rivers and lakes, as well as to the creation of sinkholes and land subsidence. Furthermore, a lowered water table can result in saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, where the freshwater aquifers are overdrawn.