Water budget for the High Plains aquifer before and after the development (pumping) is summarized in the figure below. Which of the followings is not true about the High Plains aquifer before or after development?

a. Groundwater storage (volume of water stored in the aquifer) was balanced before development.

b. Natural discharge decreased after development.

c. Groundwater storage decreased after development

d. Groundwater extraction after development was less than safe yield

Incorrect statement about the High Plains aquifer before or after development is -

d. Groundwater extraction after development was less than safe yield

Explanation:

After the development and installation of pumping station the withdrawal capacity of the storage channel will always be higher than the safe yield as -

Discharge = discharge additive due to pumping + natural discharge

The natural discharge though may get reduced after the development but the discharge additive sue to pumping will not only compensate the reduction but also increase the overall discharge.

Also, before the development the amount of water recharging or entering system is almost equal to the amount of water discharging from the system and thus it was balanced.