Environment
Water, Ground Water And Wells: America's Lifeline
By
Apr 9, 2007, 00:14

(NAPSI)-If you have a household water well, you depend on ground water. If you don't have a water well, you still depend on ground water in many ways.

Either way, here are some things you should know about ground water from the National Ground Water Association.

Ground water makes up more than 90 percent of the available fresh water in the world. Because it is so widespread, nearly half of Americans rely on ground water, either from private wells or community water systems. Not only that, ground water supplies 58 billion gallons a day for agricultural irrigation. It also feeds 492 billion gallons a day to surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes and streams.

If you own a well, consider getting an annual well maintenance check and water test. Private well owners are responsible for making sure their water supply is safe, so regular maintenance and water testing for bacteria, nitrates and anything else of local concern is important.

If you don't own a well, you still have a responsibility to protect ground water. Improper storage or disposal of hazardous household substances can pollute ground water. These include household cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, antifreeze, fertilizer, paint, paint thinner, oil and other chemicals. What you dump on the ground, pour down the drain or throw in the trash could end up in the ground water. Store hazardous household substances in secure places using proper containers. If possible, dispose of such substances at hazardous waste drop-off sites.

Use water wisely, whether you own a well or not. There is no shortage of ground water nationally, but demand on a local or regional basis can create water scarcity. It only makes sense not to waste water.

• Fix leaky toilets or faucets to save thousands of gallons of water a year.

• Use water-efficient appliances.

• Use low-flow showerheads and water-efficient toilets.

• Avoid wasting water on the driveway, sidewalk or street when watering outside.

• Run the dishwasher only when it's full.

• Consider other ways to recycle or conserve water.

To learn more about well maintenance, water testing, ground water protection and conservation, visit the National Ground Water Association's Web site www.wellowner.org.

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