What serves as the primary source of water during droughts?

Groundwater pumping serves as the primary source of water during droughts due to its availability and reliability. In many regions, groundwater provides a critical reserve of water that can be accessed when surface water supplies are diminished. During extended dry periods, like droughts, the reliance on groundwater increases because it is less affected by immediate weather conditions compared to sources like freshwater lakes or rainwater harvesting, which depend on precipitation. Groundwater can be extracted through wells and serves as a buffer, allowing communities to sustain their water needs when other sources become scarce.

Other options, while they can contribute to water supply, are not as dependable during prolonged droughts. Freshwater lakes may dry up or lower significantly, rainwater harvesting is reliant on sufficient rainfall, which is limited during droughts, and desalinated water, while a viable option, typically represents a more limited and higher-cost solution compared to directly accessing groundwater.