Groundwater depletion crisis intensifies in the US as aquifers providing 90% of water are severely depleted, threatening agriculture, economies, and societies. The New York Times’ investigation reveals groundwater exhaustion across the nation, largely unregulated due to fragmented federal oversight and weak state rules. This depletion has led to sinking land, contamination, and declining agricultural yields, exacerbating climate change challenges. Critics call for comprehensive action to prevent irreversible damage, while overpumping continues, raising concerns about future water scarcity.