(WESTERVILLE, OH — February 25, 2013) The 15th edition of National Groundwater Awareness Week is March 10-16, 2013, and for good reason — groundwater is one of our most important natural resources, bar none, according to the National Ground Water Association.
Consider the following. An estimated 99 percent of all available freshwater in the world is groundwater. So, understanding its significance and using it wisely to meet human and environmental needs is extremely important.
Here are some other interesting U.S. groundwater facts:
The story of groundwater is more than how many people use it and how much they use. For instance, groundwater is directly connected to most surface water bodies, providing much of the flow of many streams. It’s estimated by the U.S. Geological Society that about 30 percent of U.S. streamflow on average is from groundwater.
In short, groundwater plays a vital role in the health of ecosystems, so it’s smart to be groundwater aware.
To learn more, visit the National Groundwater Awareness Week Web page and the section on groundwater stewardship, as well as NGWA’s Web site devoted to water well stewardship, WellOwner.org.
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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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