University of Wisconsin - Extension

STEVENS POINT, Wis.-We are reminded of the value of Wisconsin's groundwater resources during Groundwater Awareness Week, March 12-18, sponsored by the National Ground Water Association.

"Groundwater is a vital resource to everyone in the state and is necessary to maintain our high quality of life," says Kevin Masarik, of the University of Wisconsin-Extension's Center for Watershed Science and Education. "We rely on groundwater to meet the daily water demands for nearly three-quarters of Wisconsin's residents. Groundwater also provides nearly all of the water for our agricultural industry -- irrigation, livestock, and dairy operations. In addition to providing water for human needs, groundwater helps replenish Wisconsin's lakes, streams and wetlands."

Because of the number of people who rely on groundwater as a supply of drinking water, groundwater quality has always been a concern. Recently an increasing number of communities around the state have become concerned about quantity issues as well.

"Despite statewide efforts to protect groundwater, it is important to remember that groundwater is a local resource. Local people are the ones who can choose whether to conserve, protect or pollute it," Masarik says. "We all need to actively participate in protecting our groundwater."

He gives these suggestions for protecting groundwater and celebrating Groundwater Awareness Week:

If you are served by a public water supplier, contact them for the most recent water quality data as well as information about how your community's water supply is protected. Thank them for doing a great job of providing safe drinking water, and ask how you can help.

If you have your own well, test the water. Although it is recommended that private wells be tested annually for coliform bacteria and nitrate, only about 5 percent of wells are actually tested each year. Well owners should also consider performing an arsenic test since some parts of the state have discovered elevated levels of this naturally occurring element in their groundwater. Research other potential groundwater concerns and the need for additional tests in your area.

Abandoned wells -- wells that are no longer being used -- represent a direct conduit for pollutants to contaminate the groundwater aquifer. If you have an abandoned well on your property, take steps to ensure that it is abandoned properly and will not contaminate groundwater in the future. Your local land conservation department may be able to assist you with this process.

Dispose of hazardous materials around your home properly. That means not putting them down the storm drain or your septic system. If you have products that cannot be safely disposed of, find out when your community has a hazardous waste collection day.

Take steps to reduce the amount of water that you use everyday. Some quick and easy solutions include buying more efficient appliances, faucets and toilets. Planting less water intensive landscaping and using rain barrels to collect rainfall for watering the garden can also help to conserve groundwater. Often times reducing water use results in lower water bills and energy savings as well. In addition, installing a rain garden to collect stormwater before it reaches the storm sewer can actually help to replenish our groundwater resources.

The final suggestion for celebrating Groundwater Awareness Week is to become informed on local groundwater and watershed protection issues. Collaboration among individual citizens, local governments and industry is the key to effectively managing the groundwater resource. Find ways you can become part of the solution to protect and improve water resources in Wisconsin.

For more information, contact Kevin Masarik, Groundwater Education Specialist, UW-Stevens Point/Extension at 715-346-4276.