Riparian vegetation in the middle Tarim River is deteriorating due to reduced groundwater recharge from the river. The water table is dropping, and salinity is increasing. Chemical analysis shows that river water carries salts downstream, affecting groundwater quality. Salt accumulation in groundwater is mainly due to mineral dissolution and evapotranspiration. Groundwater salinity patterns reflect reduced recharge from the river. Modern groundwater recharge is limited to 1500 meters from the riverbank, supporting better vegetation growth. An embankment built in 2001 has further reduced groundwater recharge, leading to ecosystem degradation.