The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recognized World Water Monitoring Day Oct. 18 by spotlighting a new observation well and the need for data on the world’s largest fresh water supplier. Ground water makes up more than 90% of the world’s available fresh water supply.
Ground water is a critical component of the nation’s water resources. Globally, ground water resources dwarf surface water supplies. But because ground water is hidden, the resource is often forgotten or misunderstood. Ground water is, in fact, vital to public health, the environment and the economy.
The U.S. Geological Survey joined in the event, providing satellite uplink technology for the observation well located at NGWA headquarters in Westerville, Ohio. This will make real-time water level data available through the Web.
“About half of the world’s population depends on ground water for its drinking water supply, yet we lack the data needed to adequately monitor this essential source of fresh water,” said NGWA executive director Kevin McCray. “USGS does an outstanding job at monitoring ground water, however, this is a massive challenge that requires participation at all levels of government.”
Other project partners include Geoprobe Systems of Salina, Kansas, which manufactured the well drilling equipment and constructed the well; EnviroCore Ltd. of Columbus, Ohio, which provided core sampling services; and In-Situ Inc. of Fort Collins, Colo., which provided the Level Troll 500 instrument for data collection.
World Water Monitoring Day is co-sponsored by America’s Clean Water Foundation and the International Water Association. Also joining NGWA at the event was Junior Girl Scout Troop 2612 of Alum Creek Elementary School. They are participating in World Water Monitoring Day to earn their “Get With the Land and Water Drop” patches.
Source: NGWA