Bangalore: Blame it on increase in population, urbanization, rapid industrialization and climate change, Karnataka’s water resources are under severe threat and depleting fast. The overexploited groundwater resources are suffering, pushing the water table down. These facts came to light at a state-level consultative workshop on Iimplications of climate change on water and sanitation’ in the city. Organized by The Energy and Research Institute (Teri) and Unicef, the workshop looked at developing a state-level strategy to address issues related to water and sanitation vis-à-vis climate change. The net annual groundwater availability in Karnataka has gone down from 15,29,659 hectare metre(HAM)in 2004to 14,81,015 HAM in 2009, a net decline of 3.2%, mainly due to over-extraction. One HAM is equal to one crore litres of water. The overexploitation is severe in Bangalore, Tumkur, Kolar and Chitradurga where the water drawn is more than what is naturally recharged. According to a report by the department of geology in 2010, 64 watersheds spread over 35 taluks are overexploited and this number may only rise. Due to depletion of the groundwater table, concentration of fluoride and arsenic is going up beyond permissible limits in four districts. Water, sanitation and hygiene officer of Unicef (AP and Karnataka) Salathiel R Nalli said fluoride and arsenic concentration has reached the ‘hazardous’ mark in some villagesof Raichur andGulbarga. TIMES VIEW Karnataka’s groundwater sources are depleting at an alarming rate. Wells are drilled deeper and the water extracted has higher concentration of toxic elements. It’s high time we gave serious though to preserving our water resources. The authorities should ensure that rainwater is harvested in public places, including roads and flyovers. Also, they should minimise the use of concrete which doesn’t allow water to percolate into the ground. Every individual's effort also matters. Don’t leave the taps open just because you have money to pay the bill. Let the thought sink in that a drop saved here will quench someone’s thirst elsewhere.