(SANTA FE, New Mexico) - The Office of the State Engineer, along with the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), encourages every person to protect public health and the health of the environment by protecting groundwater, beginning on Protect Your Groundwater Day, September 8, 2015.
According to the NGWA, in the United States, 39.4 percent of the population regularly depends on groundwater, and 38.5 million Americans rely on privately owned and operated household water wells for their drinking water supply. Another 87.1 million residents rely on groundwater-supplied community water systems.
For household water well owners, managing the well system and one's property can make a difference in water quality.
"Often, private well owners are not aware that wells need maintenance to continue to provide safe and clean drinking water," said Office of the State Engineer Statewide Projects Supervisor Jerri Pohl. "Most know very little about their well. The NGWA is a valuable organization for well owners, and their website is a comprehensive resource."
People who do not use household wells also can make a difference in groundwater quality - for instance, by how they store, use, and dispose of hazardous household substances, or how well they maintain their septic systems.
Additionally, with water shortages in the Southwest, protecting groundwater through conservation is more important than ever.
Protect Your Groundwater Day is an occasion for every citizen to ACT: Acknowledge the issue, Consider how it applies to you, then Take action. Here are some action steps individuals can take.
1. Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination
Everyone
- There are hazardous substances 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 (read related article).
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 water conservation:
- Modify your water use (more water-saving tips)
- Install a water-saving device.
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.
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 an annual water well system inspection
- Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.
To learn more about groundwater's importance to human health and the environment, watch NGWA's Groundwater Is Cool video by visiting the NGWA website, WellOwner.org. The website also offers online lessons on groundwater protection, using water wisely, and decommissioning abandoned wells, and a recorded webinar about groundwater protection.
The Office of the State Engineer is charged with administering the state's water resources. The State Engineer has authority over the measurement, appropriation, and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries.
NGWA, a nonprofit organization composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals - contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers - is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge. NGWA's vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the responsible development, management, and use of water.