Much of the water we use comes from the ground. Learn more about the importance of groundwater, the threats to its safety, and how to protect its sources during Groundwater Awareness Week.
Water is one of the world’s most precious resources. People use water every day for many activities, such as drinking, bathing, recreation, agriculture, cooling, manufacturing, and medical uses. Although water plays an essential role in everyday life, many people don’t realize that much of their water comes from the ground.
Groundwater is water found below the earth’s surface in spaces between rock and soil. Surface water is water that collects above the earth’s surface, such as streams, rivers, lakes, or oceans. Thirty percent of all the fresh water on Earth is groundwater, while the other 70% is surface water. Groundwater supplies water to wells and springs and is an important source of water for public water systems and private wells in the United States.
An estimated 145 million Americans get their tap water from a groundwater source.
National Groundwater Awareness Weekexternal icon, an annual observance sponsored by the National Groundwater Association (NGWA)external icon, is March 6–12, 2022. This observance highlights how important groundwater is to people’s health and the environment.
All groundwater sources should be protected from contamination (germs and harmful chemicals).
Protecting the safety of groundwater is an important priority for countries throughout the world, including the United States. Most of the time, U.S. groundwater is safe to use. However, groundwater sources can become contaminated with germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and chemicals, such as those used in fertilizers and pesticides. Contaminated groundwater can make people sick.
Water infrastructure requires regular maintenance.
Groundwater sometimes contains naturally present germs and harmful chemicals from the environment, such as arsenic and radon. More often, however, human activities contaminate ground water. These human causes can include incorrect use of fertilizers and pesticides; poorly situated, constructed, or maintained septic systems; improper removal or storage of wastes; mining and construction; and chemical spills at work sites.
Contamination of groundwater systems can lead to outbreaks of disease. Previous outbreaks have occurred either because the groundwater was untreated or because of problems with water treatment. The most common germs identified in groundwater outbreaks include:
Other germs that cause outbreaks from groundwater include Cryptosporidium(a parasite), E. coli (a bacterium), and assorted viruses. From 2009 to 2017, 143 outbreaks linked to groundwater systems were reported to CDC.
You can learn more about some of the most common environmental chemicals that may be found in community water supplies by visiting CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.
The presence of germs and harmful chemicals in our groundwater can lead to health problems, including diarrhea, reproductive problems, and nervous system disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people whose immune systems are weakened because of HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or transplant medicines may be more likely to get sick from certain germs and chemicals.
Concerns for groundwater contaminants led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and individual states to develop regulations to protect public water systems, such as the 2006 Ground Water Ruleexternal icon.
Is Your Water From a Groundwater Source?
Public Water Systems
One-third of Americans — more than 102 million people — get their drinking water from public water systems that use groundwater. The EPA regulates drinking water quality in public water systems. You can find out more about your local drinking water quality and possible contaminants by viewing your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which most utility companies are required to provide to customers.
Private Wells
An estimated 43 million Americans get their water from private groundwater wells, which are not subject to EPA regulations. Private groundwater wells can provide safe, clean water. However, contamination that can cause sickness also can occur in well water. If you have a well, you should take steps to protect it and have the water tested annually to make sure your water is safe from harmful germs and chemicals. State and local health departments provide information to help well users protect their drinking water.
FAQs
Use the hashtag #GWAW to share how you're celebrating the importance of groundwater! 💧 Learn more and download GWAW logos and graphics at ➡️ ngwa.org/groundwater-aw…
How do you solve groundwater problems? ›
At home
- properly dispose of all waste; don't dump chemicals down drains or on the ground.
- test underground fuel oil tanks for leaks; if possible, replace them above ground.
- safely store all chemicals and fuels.
- minimize the use of chemicals; always use according to directions.
Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is water from a well. Wells access aquifers that contain water that seeps through particles of soil ( mostly clay and sand), which filters out most impurities. Water from a river transports a variety of substances and contains runoff from floodings.
Is well water healthy to drink? ›
If you use a well, you should have a drinking water quality testing lab check it to make sure that it isn't contaminated. Many wells face radon, nitrate, and other industrial chemical contaminants. However, when you get your well tested, you can rest assured that you are truly getting the best available water to drink.
Can I drink ground water? ›
Typically, groundwater is naturally clean and safe to drink. Because the soil on top acts as a filter, groundwater is usually free of micro-organisms that may cause disease. However, groundwater can become contaminated if the casings or caps for wells are not installed in the correct way.
What is the largest use of ground water? ›
About 70% of groundwater withdrawn globally—including in the U.S.—is used for agriculture. In some arid countries, 90% of groundwater use is for irrigation.
What are five ways to help keep groundwater clean? ›
Use water wisely. Take short showers, run only full loads of dishes and laundry, and repair leaks promptly. If you own a well, create a zone of protection around your well and inspect your well on a regular basis. Read the annual Consumer Confidence Report or Water Quality Report provided by your public water system.
What are 5 common ways groundwater become polluted? ›
Contaminants may reach ground water from activities on the land surface, such as releases or spills from stored industrial wastes; from sources below the land surface but above the water table, such as septic systems or leaking underground petroleum storage systems; from structures beneath the water table, such as ...
How can we improve groundwater? ›
Ways to increase ground water are :
- Growing more vegetation like trees, grasses and bunds can enhance. groundwater.
- Great efforts should be made to 'harvest' rainwater.
- Efforts like 'watershed development projects' should be implemented in cities. ...
- Small bunds can be built across streams to stop the flow of water.
Private groundwater wells can provide safe, clean water. However, contamination that can cause sickness also can occur in well water. If you have a well, you should take steps to protect it and have the water tested annually to make sure your water is safe from harmful germs and chemicals.
Boiling the water kills microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoans that can cause disease. Boiling makes the tap water microbiologically safe. How long should I boil the water? Bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using.
What are the disadvantages of well water? ›
Well water drawbacks
Contaminants: Bacteria, lead, arsenic and other contaminants can be an issue with untreated well water. Municipal sources use chlorine and other chemicals to treat their water. Well water is straight from the ground and unprotected.
Is well water healthier than bottled water? ›
There is not a clear comparison between the water types you are asking about. Well water can be good or bad. City water can be good or bad, but is governed by USEPA to limit some contaminants. Bottled water is generally good but can also contain contaminants.
Is well water healthier than tap? ›
While well water is healthier than city water, it only has its benefits if monitored and treated properly. Well water has the ability to filter naturally, but it's still important to get your well water tested and treated for bacteria and other chemicals that may exist.
What is the hashtag for World Wetland day? ›
Hashtags for World Wetlands Day 2024
#WorldWetlandsDay. #WetlandConservation.
What is the wetlands day hashtag? ›
Hashtags for World Wetlands Day 2024
- #WorldWetlandsDay.
- #WetlandConservation.
- #RamsarSites.
- #WetlandBiodiversity.
- #SustainableWetlands.
For social media WHO recommends that the hashtag #DrowningPrevention be used, including for World #DrowningPrevention Day.
