Protecting Groundwater from Pollution: A Community Effort
“"Protecting groundwater is a shared responsibility. By being mindful of how we use and dispose of chemicals, we can help keep our water clean for generations to come.” - Abby Thompson-Fopiano
Introduction: Protecting Groundwater from Pollution: A Community Effort
Have you ever stopped to appreciate the simple act of turning on a faucet and having clean, safe drinking water flow out? It’s something we often take for granted, but did you know that over 20% of the world's population doesn’t have access to clean water? Here in New Hampshire, we are fortunate to have access to high-quality groundwater, but we must take proactive steps to keep it that way.
Why Protecting Groundwater Matters
Water is all connected. When rain falls, it either infiltrates the ground or runs off into lakes, rivers, and streams. In natural landscapes like forests and fields, water is absorbed and helps recharge groundwater supplies. However, in developed areas with roads, parking lots, and buildings, water is more likely to run off rather than soak in, which can lead to contamination risks.
Half of New Hampshire’s residents rely on private groundwater wells for their drinking water, while the other half depend on community water systems that pull from lakes, rivers, and groundwater wells. This makes it critical for everyone to understand how daily activities impact water quality.
Everyday Threats to Our Water Supply
We all use substances in our daily lives that have the potential to contaminate groundwater. Here are some common culprits:
Vehicle Fluids: Gasoline and oil leaks from cars and gas stations can seep into the ground.
Household Chemicals: Paints, cleaners, and pesticides can accidentally spill or be improperly disposed of.
Road Salt: Excessive use of salt on roads in winter can leach into groundwater.
Landfills: If not properly maintained, landfills can leak harmful chemicals into the soil.
Septic Systems & Wastewater: While these systems filter human waste, they don’t always break down household chemicals, which can then enter the groundwater supply.
Understanding New Hampshire’s Aquifers
New Hampshire has two main types of aquifers—sand and gravel aquifers, and bedrock aquifers.
Sand and Gravel Aquifers: These aquifers store water in loose materials above bedrock and are used for dug, point, and gravel wells.
Bedrock Aquifers: These aquifers store water in fractures within solid rock, supplying deeper wells. Although they may seem protected, they are still vulnerable to contamination from surface sources.
No well, no matter how deep, is completely safe from pollutants. When chemicals spill on the ground, they can travel through soil, enter groundwater, and eventually make their way to wells and surface water supplies. Because many contaminants are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, people may not realize their water is unsafe unless they test it regularly.
Preventing Groundwater Contamination
Cleaning up polluted groundwater is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Some contaminants break down naturally, but others require extensive treatment. Prevention is the best approach! Here’s how you can help:
Use and store chemicals safely: Keep household and business chemicals in secure, leak-proof containers.
Clean up spills immediately: If you see a spill, act fast! Clean it up and report it to state environmental services if necessary.
Dispose of waste properly: Take advantage of your town's hazardous waste disposal days for expired medications and household chemicals.
Be mindful of septic system use: Avoid flushing chemicals or medications down the drain.
Test your well regularly: If you have a private well, test your water annually to ensure it remains safe to drink.
Working Together for Clean Water
Protecting groundwater is a shared responsibility. By being mindful of how we use and dispose of chemicals, we can help keep our water clean for generations to come. Let’s all do our part to safeguard New Hampshire’s most valuable natural resource—clean, safe water.
Join us in protecting our water!
