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Groundwater Development: Why It Matters for New Communities

January 08, 20262 min read

Groundwater Development: Why It Matters for New Communities

As towns grow and new housing developments emerge, one of the biggest questions is simple—but essential: Where will the water come from? For many communities, the answer lies underground. Groundwater is a reliable, local resource—but only when it’s developed carefully and responsibly.


What Groundwater Development Really Involves

Creating a new community water source isn’t just drilling a well. It requires:

Hydrogeologic Testing

Determining whether the aquifer can produce enough water sustainably.

Water Quality Assessment

Ensuring the source is safe for drinking and free from contamination risks.

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

Community wells must meet strict public-water requirements and environmental rules.

Responsible Well Siting

Wells must be located to avoid contamination and protect wetlands, shoreland, and sensitive habitats.

Planning for Future Demand

A good well today should still be a good well decades from now.


Why Groundwater Is Critical for New Developments

For rural and semi-rural areas, groundwater offers:

  • A cost-effective alternative to extending municipal water

  • Reliable supply for subdivisions, workforce housing, and senior communities

  • Long-term independence from aging or capacity-limited town systems

  • Greater resilience against drought and contamination challenges

But groundwater is finite — and poor planning can lead to shortages or degraded water quality.


How Edgewater Strategies Helps Communities Succeed

Edgewater Strategies specializes in every step of groundwater development, including:

  • Hydrogeologic studies and well siting

  • Water quality sampling and analysis

  • Community water-system permitting

  • Solutions for challenging sites or contaminated areas

  • Long-term planning to ensure sustainable aquifer use

From initial testing to final approval, Edgewater brings scientific expertise and regulatory guidance to ensure new communities have a safe, sustainable water source.


Smart Water Planning Builds Strong Communities

Groundwater enables growth — but only when developed correctly. With the right hydrogeologic insight and planning, communities can build confidently, knowing their water supply is secure for the future.

Edgewater Strategies helps make that possible.

Hydrogeologist and owner, Abby Thompson Fopiano, grew up on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Having spent summers at her family's island camp, she has always felt connected to the water. Other than the fact we all need it to survive, she finds the geologic and hydraulic facets of groundwater fascinating.

Abby Thompson-Fopiano

Hydrogeologist and owner, Abby Thompson Fopiano, grew up on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Having spent summers at her family's island camp, she has always felt connected to the water. Other than the fact we all need it to survive, she finds the geologic and hydraulic facets of groundwater fascinating.

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