Groundwater is a critical resource for ecosystems and human activities. However, excessive extraction has led to rapid declines in groundwater levels, causing issues like seawater intrusion, land subsidence, and reduced streamflow. A study analyzing 170,000 monitoring wells and 1,693 aquifer systems across 75% of global groundwater withdrawals shows that rapid groundwater-level declines (>0.5 m/year) are widespread, especially in dry regions with extensive croplands. The study also reveals that 30% of regional aquifers have accelerated groundwater-level declines over the past four decades. Despite this, some aquifers have shown recovery due to policy changes, managed recharge, and surface-water diversions. The study highlights the importance of in situ groundwater-level measurements for understanding local changes and managing groundwater resources. Global satellite data, such as from GRACE, provide broader insights but lack the resolution needed for local management. The analysis shows that groundwater levels have become deeper in 36% of aquifer systems and shallower in 6%. Rapid declines are more common in dry, cultivated areas, where irrigation accounts for 70% of groundwater use. However, some aquifers have seen slowing or reversal of declines through interventions like managed aquifer recharge and water transfers. The study emphasizes the need for effective policies and management to address groundwater depletion. While groundwater levels are generally declining, some aquifers have recovered, demonstrating the potential for recovery through appropriate measures. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing groundwater depletion to prevent ecological and economic damage, including land subsidence, reduced water availability, and impacts on agriculture. The study also highlights the importance of integrating local and global data to better understand and manage groundwater resources.Groundwater is a critical resource for ecosystems and human activities. However, excessive extraction has led to rapid declines in groundwater levels, causing issues like seawater intrusion, land subsidence, and reduced streamflow. A study analyzing 170,000 monitoring wells and 1,693 aquifer systems across 75% of global groundwater withdrawals shows that rapid groundwater-level declines (>0.5 m/year) are widespread, especially in dry regions with extensive croplands. The study also reveals that 30% of regional aquifers have accelerated groundwater-level declines over the past four decades. Despite this, some aquifers have shown recovery due to policy changes, managed recharge, and surface-water diversions. The study highlights the importance of in situ groundwater-level measurements for understanding local changes and managing groundwater resources. Global satellite data, such as from GRACE, provide broader insights but lack the resolution needed for local management. The analysis shows that groundwater levels have become deeper in 36% of aquifer systems and shallower in 6%. Rapid declines are more common in dry, cultivated areas, where irrigation accounts for 70% of groundwater use. However, some aquifers have seen slowing or reversal of declines through interventions like managed aquifer recharge and water transfers. The study emphasizes the need for effective policies and management to address groundwater depletion. While groundwater levels are generally declining, some aquifers have recovered, demonstrating the potential for recovery through appropriate measures. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing groundwater depletion to prevent ecological and economic damage, including land subsidence, reduced water availability, and impacts on agriculture. The study also highlights the importance of integrating local and global data to better understand and manage groundwater resources.