The article examines the rapid decline and some cases of recovery in global aquifers. Groundwater resources are crucial for ecosystems and livelihoods, but excessive withdrawals can lead to seawater intrusion, land subsidence, streamflow depletion, and wells running dry. The study analyzes groundwater-level trends from 170,000 monitoring wells and 1,693 aquifer systems, covering approximately 75% of global groundwater withdrawals. It finds that rapid groundwater-level declines (>0.5 m year−1) are widespread, especially in dry regions with extensive croplands. Over the past four decades, groundwater-level declines have accelerated in 30% of the world's regional aquifers. However, specific cases of policy changes, managed aquifer recharge, and surface-water diversions have shown that depleted aquifer systems can recover. The analysis highlights the urgent need for more effective measures to address groundwater depletion and demonstrates the potential for recovery in some areas.The article examines the rapid decline and some cases of recovery in global aquifers. Groundwater resources are crucial for ecosystems and livelihoods, but excessive withdrawals can lead to seawater intrusion, land subsidence, streamflow depletion, and wells running dry. The study analyzes groundwater-level trends from 170,000 monitoring wells and 1,693 aquifer systems, covering approximately 75% of global groundwater withdrawals. It finds that rapid groundwater-level declines (>0.5 m year−1) are widespread, especially in dry regions with extensive croplands. Over the past four decades, groundwater-level declines have accelerated in 30% of the world's regional aquifers. However, specific cases of policy changes, managed aquifer recharge, and surface-water diversions have shown that depleted aquifer systems can recover. The analysis highlights the urgent need for more effective measures to address groundwater depletion and demonstrates the potential for recovery in some areas.