Celebrate Groundwater Awareness Week 2025 with Edgewater Strategies

“"Groundwater is out of sight, but it should never be out of mind. Protecting and conserving it today ensures safe, clean water for generations to come. Small actions make a big impact!”
- Abby Thompson-Fopiano

Introduction:

Groundwater is one of our most valuable natural resources, supplying drinking water to over 44% of the U.S. population and playing a critical role in agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Yet, it’s often out of sight and out of mind—until there’s a problem. That’s why Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW), taking place March 9-15, 2025, is so important.

Established in 1999 by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), GWAW is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. It also encourages annual water well testing, regular maintenance, and policies that protect groundwater quality and supply.

This year, NGWA and its partners are also shining a spotlight on the need for more professionals in the groundwater industry. With over 135,000 job openings nationwide, the industry is struggling to keep up with demand, making it an excellent time for young professionals and job seekers to consider careers in groundwater.

Why Groundwater Awareness Matters

Groundwater is essential to both our economy and our health. It’s used for public and private water supply, irrigation, livestock, and industrial purposes. Yet, groundwater faces threats from overuse, pollution, and climate change.

Here are some facts that highlight the importance of groundwater protection:

✅ The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest in the world, stretches across eight U.S. states and holds 2.4 billion acre-feet of groundwater—but it’s depleting faster than it can recharge.
✅ Household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year per home.
✅ A shocking 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons per day!
✅ Americans use 82.3 billion gallons of groundwater per day for drinking, irrigation, and industry.

Is Your Well Water Safe?

If you rely on a private water well, it’s your responsibility to ensure your water is safe and clean. The NGWA recommends that well owners test, tend, and treat their private water systems annually.

Here’s what you can do to protect your water well:
✔️ Schedule an annual inspection with a certified water well contractor.
✔️ Test your water anytime there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance.
✔️ Keep hazardous chemicals (paint, motor oil, pesticides) far away from your well.
✔️ Ensure proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage.

Not sure where to start? WellOwner.org provides resources and a Find A Contractor tool to help you locate certified water well professionals in your area.

10 Ways to Protect & Conserve Groundwater

Every household can take small steps to make a big impact. Here’s how you can help:

1️⃣ Go Native – Plant native species in your yard to reduce the need for water and fertilizers.
2️⃣ Reduce Chemical Use – Use fewer chemicals around your home and dispose of them properly.
3️⃣ Manage Waste – Take hazardous waste (like old paint and motor oil) to proper disposal sites.
4️⃣ Don’t Let It Run – Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
5️⃣ Fix the Drip – Repair leaks right away; they waste thousands of gallons yearly.
6️⃣ Wash Smarter – Take shorter showers and only run full loads of laundry.
7️⃣ Water Wisely – Water your lawn only when necessary, and during the cooler parts of the day.
8️⃣ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Limit waste and recycle whenever possible.
9️⃣ Use Natural Alternatives – Swap chemical cleaners for baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.
🔟 Learn & Share – Educate yourself and others about groundwater protection!

Join the Groundwater Awareness Movement!

Groundwater is a shared resource, and protecting it is a responsibility we all share. Whether you’re a well owner, homeowner, farmer, or business, small changes can help ensure clean, safe water for generations to come.

📅 March 9-15, 2025 – Let’s celebrate Groundwater Awareness Week together! Share this blog, spread awareness, and take action in your home and community.

For more groundwater resources, well services, and testing options, contact Edgewater Strategies today!