Protect Your Groundwater Day

We all rely on groundwater in some way, and groundwater relies on us to protect it.

Every year, we ask our communities to promote and protect their groundwater supply and this year we are urging you to focus these efforts in your own backyard.

Ask yourself, when was the last time I tested my water? What actions have I taken to ensure my family’s water is safe and protected from contaminants? More than 43 million people—about 15 percent of the U.S. population—rely on domestic water wells as their source of drinking water and experts recommend having these systems inspected every year.

Protect Your Groundwater Day serves as an annual reminder for water well owners to test, tend, and treat their private water systems. NGWA encourages annual inspections of private water systems by certified water well contractors to ensure systems are operating correctly and producing safe and healthy water.

Today IS the day to take action and take the first step on to protecting your groundwater!

ACT — acknowledge, consider, take action

Use this day to begin doing your part for protecting one of our most important natural resources — groundwater.

1. Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination

• Everyone
  • These are common to households
  • Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home
• If you own a water well
  • Wellheads should be a safe distance from potential contamination
  • Septic system malfunctions can pollute groundwater
  • Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination
  • Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination

2. Consider which apply to you

• Everyone
  • What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
  • Where do you and your family use the most water?
• If you own a water well
  • Is your wellhead a safe distance from possible contamination? Is your well/septic system due for an inspection?
  • Are there any abandoned wells on your property?

3. Take action to prevent groundwater contamination

• Everyone
  • 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
  • When it comes to water conservation:
    • Modify your water use (more water saving tips).
• If you own a water well
  • Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead
  • Get current on your septic system inspection and cleaning
  • Get your annual water well system inspection
  • Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional

Find a contractor in your area using our Find a Contractor tool.

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