Final answer:
Groundwater withdrawal that exceeds recharge does have an impact on the water table. It can lead to a drop in the water table, affecting the ecosystem and causing various problems such as saltwater intrusion and land subsidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groundwater Withdrawal and the Water Table
The statement that groundwater withdrawal that exceeds recharge has no impact on the water table is False. When groundwater is pumped from wells, there is a localized drop in the water table called a cone of depression. If a large number of wells pump water for a long time, the regional water table can significantly drop.
Impacts of Groundwater Withdrawal
Excessive groundwater withdrawal can lead to various problems. It can force the drilling of deeper and more expensive wells that often encounter more saline groundwater. It can deplete rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, causing them to run dry in some cases. Additionally, groundwater mining can result in saltwater intrusion and change the direction of regional groundwater flow, leading to pollution and land subsidence.
The Importance of Maintaining the Water Table
It is critical to maintain the current level of the water table for the ecosystem. The water table mimics topography and helps discharge water into streams. Disrupting the water table can have negative ecological effects, such as impacting the flow of streams and rivers and causing saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.