National Groundwater Awareness Week - March 6-12, 2011

Groundwater is important to every person, and there is something every person can do to be a good groundwater steward: That’s the core message of the 2011 National Ground Water Awareness Week March 6-12.

Taking just a step or two to protect groundwater can make a big difference. For example, how you store, use, and dispose of hazardous household substances can affect groundwater quality. In the same manner, whether you regularly maintain your water well or septic system, or properly decommission an abandoned well can impact the groundwater that serves as someone’s water supply. In addition to privately owned wells, many public water systems use groundwater.

For those in water scarce areas, a big part of groundwater protection is using groundwater wisely and not wasting it.

Water wells can provide an excellent supply of good quality water. For generations they have been the only water source for millions of Americans. That’s why it’s important to learn more about how issues such as water well flooding, abandoned water wells, naturally occurring contamination, and poor well maintenance can impact groundwater quality.

The National Ground Water Association’s (NGWA) Ground Water Awareness Week website provides action steps people can take for groundwater protection and groundwater conservation.

The public, particularly well owners, can learn more about groundwater stewardship at NGWA’s other website. This site contains more useful information about groundwater protection as well as water testing and treatment.

Penn State Cooperative Extension also provides educational materials targeted at Pennsylvania water well and spring owners