The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and The Groundwater Foundation (GF) have announced that Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW) will take place March 6-12.
An annual observance established in 1999 to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater, the event is also a platform to encourage yearly water well testing and well maintenance, and the promotion of policies impacting groundwater quality and supply. Groundwater advocates across the country also use GWAW to highlight local water issues in their communities.
There are estimated to be more than 14 million private water wells in the United States and over 40 percent of public water is provided from groundwater sources.
Groundwater Awareness Week also 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.
WellOwner.org, which is operated by NGWA with assistance from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, offers private well owners tip sheets on water well maintenance and a “Find A Contractor” page which allows the public to find certified local water well contractors in their area.
“Groundwater protection needs to be a national issue and also one that is practiced locally and in your own backyard,” said NGWA President Brian Snelten, PG. “The more educated people become on the role groundwater plays in our environment and our day-to-day lives, the more they understand the need to speak up for its future.”
