For immediate release:
August 25, 2014
For more information, contact:
Julie Maas, Public Relations Specialist
(505) 383-4095
“Protect Your Groundwater Day” is September 8
(SANTA FE, New Mexico) – The Office of the State Engineer, along with the National Ground
Water Association (NGWA), encourages every person to protect public health and the health of
the environment by protecting groundwater, beginning on Protect Your Groundwater Day,
September 8, 2015.
According to the NGWA, in the United States, 39.4 percent of the population regularly depends
on groundwater, and 38.5 million Americans rely on privately owned and operated household
water wells for their drinking water supply. Another 87.1 million residents rely on groundwatersupplied community water systems.
For household water well owners, managing the well system and one’s property can make a
difference in water quality.
“Often, private well owners are not aware that wells need maintenance to continue to provide
safe and clean drinking water,” said Office of the State Engineer Statewide Projects Supervisor
Jerri Pohl. “Most know very little about their well. The NGWA is a valuable organization for well
owners, and their website is a comprehensive resource.”
People who do not use household wells also can make a difference in groundwater quality—for
instance, by how they store, use, and dispose of hazardous household substances, or how well
they maintain their septic systems.
Additionally, with water shortages in the Southwest, protecting groundwater through
conservation is more important than ever.
Protect Your Groundwater Day is an occasion for every citizen to ACT: Acknowledge the issue,
Consider how it applies to you, then Take action. Here are some action steps individuals can take.
(MORE)
1. Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination
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Everyone
o There are hazardous substances common to households
o Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home.
If you own a water well
o Wellheads should be a safe distance from potential contamination
o Septic system malfunctions can pollute groundwater
o Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination
o Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination (read related
article).
2. Consider which apply to you
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Everyone
o What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
o Where do you and your family use the most water?
If you own a water well
o Is your wellhead a safe distance from possible contamination?
o Is your well/septic system due for an inspection?
o Are there any abandoned wells on your property?
3. Take action to prevent groundwater contamination
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Everyone
When it comes to water conservation:
Modify your water use (more water-saving tips)
Install a water-saving device.
When it comes to hazardous household substances:
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Store them properly in a secure place
Use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
Dispose of them safely.
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If you own a water well
o Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead
o Get current on your septic system inspection and cleaning
o Get an annual water well system inspection
o Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.
(MORE)
To learn more about groundwater’s importance to human health and the environment, watch
NGWA’s Groundwater Is Cool video by visiting the NGWA website, WellOwner.org. The website
also offers online lessons on groundwater protection, using water wisely, and decommissioning
abandoned wells, and a recorded webinar about groundwater protection.
The Office of the State Engineer is charged with administering the state’s water resources. The State
Engineer has authority over the measurement, appropriation, and distribution of all surface and
groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries.
NGWA, a nonprofit organization composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals —
contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers — is dedicated to advancing
groundwater knowledge. NGWA’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the
responsible development, management, and use of water.
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