The Digital Press

All major U.S. cities with populations over 600,000 are sinking to some extent, largely due to rapid groundwater drainage, posing infrastructure and safety risks.

Why it matters: Groundwater depletion causes land subsidence, threatening buildings and residents in the nation's most populous urban areas.

The big picture: This sinking trend is widespread, affecting both coastal and inland cities, with Texas experiencing the fastest rates.

The stakes: Continued population growth, water use, and climate-change-driven droughts could accelerate subsidence, increasing infrastructure stress and safety hazards.

Commenters say: Readers emphasize the urgency of sustainable water management and call for proactive urban planning to mitigate sinking risks.