Groundwater professionals urge public to protect groundwater

Published 11:55 am Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Special to the Reporter

There is a “hidden sea” of groundwater beneath every person, so every person should act to protect it for the present and future generations, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and the Washington State Ground Water Association said in recognizing Protect Your Groundwater Day on Sept. 8.

Groundwater makes up 99 percent of the world’s available freshwater, said NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens. All surface water bodies such as lakes and streams make up only 1 percent of the Earth’s available freshwater.

“How a person uses water, or stores or disposes of hazardous substances, can affect groundwater quality and quantity,” Treyens said. “If you own a water well, your daily habits can have a direct impact on your household drinking water supply.”

Beginning on Protect Your Groundwater Day, there are at least two key ways people can protect the resource.

First, conserve water by:

• Never pouring water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering indoor plants or a garden

• Repairing dripping faucets and toilets—one drop a second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year

• Retrofitting all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors

• Choosing appliances that are water- and energy-efficient

• Turning the faucet off when not actually using water, such as while brushing your teeth

Following more water-saving tips on NGWA’s webpage, http://www.wellowner.org/groundwater/conservation-matters/.

Second, prevent groundwater contamination by:

• Moving possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead

• Getting current on your septic system inspection and cleaning

• Properly maintaining your well system to help keep contamination out

•Properly decommissioning any abandoned wells using a professional