Springfield…National Groundwater Awareness week, March 7-13, 2010, is a good time to recognize the importance of groundwater and water well stewardship to our state’s future, state Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) said today.
Tryon joins the Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals (IAGP) in urging the public to be good stewards of groundwater through:
- Groundwater protection everyday
- Proper water well construction
- Regular water well maintenance
- Regular water testing and treatment, if necessary
In Illinois, 440,124 households rely on private wells for their water supply, 5029 community water systems rely on groundwater in whole or part to meet water demands, and groundwater supplies 95% of the water for agricultural irrigation. In our nation and around the world, groundwater makes up about 95 % of all available fresh water.
Since people with private household water wells are their own water system manager, awareness of good stewardship practices is particularly important. Here are some tips from Tryon and the Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals:
- Three ways to be a groundwater steward – First, properly use, store and dispose of hazardous household substances. Second, use a professional to maintain your onsite wastewater treatment system (septic system). And third, locate any abandoned wells on your property, and then have a licensed water well contractor make sure it is properly decommissioned.
- Three ways to be a water well steward – First, always use a licensed water well contractor to construct or service your water well system. Second, get an annual water well system maintenance checkup to make sure it is in good condition. And third, regularly test your water for bacteria, nitrates and anything of local concern. If after a well system inspection or any necessary maintenance a water quality problem remains, consult a qualified water well professional about an appropriate water treatment system.
For more details about groundwater and water well stewardship, visit www.iagp.org
IAGP, a nonprofit organization comprised of Illinois licensed water well and pump installation contractors, water treatment dealers, geothermal loop installers, geologists, hydrologists, engineers, manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and services for the groundwater industry, and local regulatory agencies – is dedicated to advancing the expertise of all groundwater professionals and to furthering groundwater awareness and protection through education and outreach.
