A recent study has revealed that parts of California, including San Diego County, are experiencing significant land subsidence, a phenomenon where the ground gradually sinks. The primary cause is excessive groundwater extraction, which has been exacerbated by drought conditions and increased agricultural demands. As water is pumped from underground aquifers, the land above it compacts, leading to sinking terrain that threatens infrastructure and water resources.
San Diego County has seen areas of notable subsidence, raising concerns about the long-term stability of roads, bridges, and water pipelines. In some cases, subsidence can also contribute to increased flood risks, as lower-lying land becomes more vulnerable to rising water levels. While San Diego is not the most affected region in the state, experts warn that ongoing water management challenges could make the problem worse.
Elsewhere in California, the Central Valley remains one of the hardest-hit areas. This region, which relies heavily on groundwater for agriculture, has seen some of the most extreme cases of subsidence. The sinking land has damaged critical infrastructure, including the California Aqueduct, a key component of the state’s water delivery system. Repairs to subsidence-related damage cost millions of dollars, placing further strain on the state’s resources.
To combat the issue, California enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014, requiring local agencies to develop plans for managing groundwater use. Without sustained action, regions like San Diego could see worsening effects in the coming years.
