National Groundwater Awareness Week 2021 is from March 7-13 and is all about being a voice for groundwater. Communities around the nation need to speak up for this precious resource. There is no better time than today to learn and share the important role that groundwater plays in our lives! This year, it is the hope of advocates to share tips for groundwater safety, groundwater protection and increasing access across the country.
Advocacy Starts with Educating People
How exactly can we educate the people in our lives about groundwater and the role it plays? How do we teach others about the importance of proper groundwater management? And, how can we remind our neighbors that it is critical to test the water frequently in private water systems and wells? It starts with YOU!
When you learn about the role of groundwater, its significance and the dangers and risks of it disappearing, you can share what you know with others and be a role model in your daily habits. You can be a voice for groundwater itself and that is the theme of National Groundwater Awareness Week 2021!
The Roles of Groundwater in Our Daily Lives
The National Groundwater Association has compiled some great facts and figures that make it easier to picture just how important groundwater is in our daily lives. Here are some that may surprise you:
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, close to 10,000 gallons of water are wasted each year thanks to household leaks alone.
- In addition, the EPA points out that ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day … that’s a lot of water wasted down the drain!
- The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the U.S. uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater. And, it’s used for lots of different purposes, like irrigation, agricultural operations, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric power, and more.
Private Wells and Water Testing
Regular water testing for those residents with private wells is so important. A properly functioning and well-maintained household-supply well will provide you with many years of quality service. When you have your well routinely inspected and tested, you will ensure that it is operating as it should. This can also prolong its life and protect your health by discovering any potential water quality problems that could present a health risk.
Habits and Routines to Protect Our Groundwater – Everyone Can Do Something!
Here are some helpful tips from the National Groundwater Association that describe things we ALL can do to help preserve groundwater Every bit counts!
- Use native plants when you landscape that won’t need much water or fertilizer.
- Use fewer chemicals in your home and yard. When you do, proper disposal is a must.
- Manage waste properly when it comes to toxic substances.
- Turn off the water when brushing or shaving.
- Repair any leaks or drips inside your home and outside fixtures.
- Water your lawn during the coolest times of day.
- Take quicker showers. Have a household competition to see who can shower quickest!
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
- Use natural alternatives to cleaning products.
- Be a role model, get informed, share, advocate and keep promoting these habits!
If you have any questions or concerns about water quality or need assistance with water testing, call our water treatment professionals today. We can work together to promote safe, clean drinking water and better habits to preserve our groundwater!