Abstract: The utilization and development of groundwater in the Yangtze River Basin remain relatively limited. Nonetheless, groundwater resources continue to play an essential role in preserving the ecological balance of rivers and lakes, addressing sudden water safety challenges, and supporting agricultural production. Drawing on groundwater exploitation and stage data from 2011 to 2020, we examined the current status and trends in groundwater utilization, stage variations, and the issue of over-exploitation in the Yangtze River Basin. Our findings reveal that shallow groundwater serves as the primary source of extraction in the basin, with a gradual decline in overall extraction levels. With few exceptions, groundwater stages across the basin have demonstrated stability or a modest increase. Over the period from 2011 to 2020, area of over-exploitation were predominantly concentrated in Nanyang City,Henan Province,where groundwater stages exhibited a declining pattern. This underscores the urgent need for the implementation of alternative water source projects to mitigate irrigation water shortages.

Key words: development and utilization of groundwater, groundwater overexploitation, groundwater stage, Yangtze River basin