Extended drought in the West and Southwestern US has put the spotlight on a critical resource of importance to every person—groundwater. Groundwater makes up 99 percent of all available fresh water in the world and is connected from beneath to most surface water bodies.
Groundwater is out of sight and out of mind for most people. Yet groundwater is the source water supply for 13 million households on private water wells in America. It also supplies much of the water to our country’s more than 40,000 community water systems. Not only that, it supplies 53.5 billion gallons of water a day for agriculture and supports the environment.
Started by the National Ground Water Association, Protect Your Groundwater Day is the perfect time for every household to act to protect this resource.
The Protect Your Groundwater web page, www.NGWA.org/PYGWD, provides ways citizens can protect groundwater from overuse or contamination. The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District offers a few tips:
When it comes to hazardous household substances:
- Store them properly in a secure place
- Use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Dispose of them safely (if in doubt as to how, contact your local waste authority)
When it comes to water conservation:
- Modify your water use (click to see more water-saving tips)
- Install a water-saving device (i.e. a water-efficient appliance or faucet and showerhead flow restrictors)
If you own a water well
- Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead
- Know what’s in your water. Test your water regularly for bacteria, nitrate, and anything of local concern
- Get your annual water well system inspection
- Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a qualified professional
If you need to test your well water for call or stop by the FRANKLIN COUNTYS SWCD office to find out more information.
To learn more about groundwater protection, visit www.WellOwner.org and access online lessons on groundwater protection, using water wisely, and decommissioning abandoned wells; and view a recorded webinar about groundwater protection.
