Context:

On September 9, 2025, international scientists confirmed the presence of a large offshore aquifer under the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from New Jersey to Maine in the US. This follows earlier discoveries of similar undersea freshwater bodies near Australia, China, South Africa, and North America, but this is the first global expedition to drill systematically for freshwater under the sea.

About Offshore Aquifers:

• Like land-based aquifers, offshore aquifers are porous rocks or sediment saturated with freshwater.
• The key difference: they are located beneath the sea floor, sometimes up to 90 km offshore.
• A 2021 study estimated 1 million cubic km of freshwater is stored globally in these aquifers — around 10% of all land-based groundwater.

Significance the offshore aquifers

Global Water Crisis:
The UN (2023) predicts 40% gap between water demand and supply by 2030. Offshore aquifers could become a major backup source.

• Climate Change Impact:
• Global warming is altering rainfall patterns, drying rivers and lakes.
• Offshore reserves could buffer coastal cities against water scarcity.
• Urban Support:
  The newly discovered US aquifer alone could supply New York City’s needs for 800 years.

Challenges in Extraction

1.     High Costs:

o    Drilling and extraction are technically complex and expensive.

o    Example: Recent US expedition cost $25 million.

2.     Environmental Concerns:

o    Potential harm to marine ecosystems and coastal geology.

o    Risk of saltwater intrusion during pumping.

3.     Ownership and Governance:

o    Need for clear legal frameworks and equitable distribution for Ownership and accountability.

4.     Sustainability:

o    If the water is non-renewable (from the Ice Age), reckless extraction could deplete it permanently.

Conclusion

Offshore aquifers represent a largely untapped freshwater resource that could play a vital role in combating future water scarcity, especially in coastal megacities. However, tapping them requires global cooperation, sustainable planning, and environmental safeguards. For India and other water-stressed nations, these discoveries could reshape how we think about water security in the 21st century.