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What Is Groundwater?
| Groundwater fills the cracks and pore spaces in rocks and soils that lie beneath the surface of the earth. Groundwater can be contaminated by pollutants that seep in from poorly constructed landfills, septic tank systems, salted roads, livestock areas, household chemicals, and many other sources. It is a vulnerable resource that is easy to pollute. Many communities whose groundwater drinking source has become contaminated have had to spend millions of dollars for cleanup, which is effective, but can double or triple the cost of the water. It is far better to prevent contamination in the first place. |
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Here are some ways you can guard groundwater:
- If you have a well, test it for contaminants regularly; many local environmental agencies provide testing services, and commercial water testing laboratories are located near most larger towns and cities.
- If your property includes an abandoned well, have a qualified water well contractor plug it by filling it from top to bottom with an appropriate cementing agent. Don't ever use a well for waste disposal.
- If you have a septic system, pump it out every one to three years. Don't abuse your system by flushing grease, solvents, paint thinners, other hazardous materials, or non-biodegradable objects. To install a new septic system, make sure soil conditions are suitable and use a licensed installer such as a plumber. Septic discharges can be significant sources of groundwater pollution.
- Any leaking underground storage tank on your property should be removed or replaced with an above-ground tank or an underground storage tank with leak detection and a liner for secondary containment. (Federal law requires this.)
- If you own a farm, control manure storage and distribution so that runoff is not excessive. Don't over-apply chemicals to your crops. Use pesticides that are less likely to leach into groundwater, and don't use pesticides near a drinking water well.
- If your community sponsors a household hazardous waste disposal or recycling program, participate! For example, oil can be recycled through programs like these. Never dump such wastes -- or their containers -- on the ground.
- For lawn care, make sure to apply the minimum fertilizer and pesticides required, and landscape with plants that use less water.
Why Protect Groundwater?
More than 90% of the world's total supply of drinking water is groundwater. Everyone uses groundwater for household needs, for industry, for commerce, or for the irrigation of crops. Half of the people in the United States use ground water for drinking water.
With the increased use of chemicals in the 20th century, the contamination of groundwater has become a growing concern. Once contaminated, groundwater is very difficult and very costly to clean.
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