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National Groundwater Awareness Week

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National Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW)

When: March 7–13, 2027

What it is: An annual observance to raise awareness about why groundwater matters and how to protect it.

Why It Matters

Groundwater matters because it is a vital source of drinking water, supports agriculture, industry, and ecosystems, and sustains communities around the world.

  • Highlights responsible development, management, and use of groundwater.
  • Encourages annual water well testing, maintenance, and treatment for private well owners.
  • Promotes groundwater-related policies and workforce opportunities.
  • Advocates share local water issues across communities.

 

Key Facts About Groundwater

  • Over 44% of the U.S. population relies on groundwater as their main water source.
  • Groundwater supports public supply, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, and more.
  • Routine inspection of wells helps ensure safe, healthy water and system longevity.
  • There are roughly 330,000+ working geoscientists in the U.S. as of 2026.
  • America used 82.3 billion gallons of groundwater a day.
  • India uses 66.3 billion gallons of groundwater per day.
  • About 150,000 km^2 of water exists under the Sahara Desert in a sandstone aquifer system, which is 20 times the volume of the North American Great Lakes.
  • 1 in 4 people globally do not have access to clean water.
  • Approximately 500 billion gallons of water flow into U.S. lakes and streams daily.

 

Logos and more

Download logos below.

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How You Can Take Action

For Well Owners:

  • Test and inspect your well yearly.
  • Keep hazardous materials away from your well. - Use resources like WellOwner.org for maintenance tips and to find certified contractors.

For Everyone:

  • Share GWAW info and logos on social media.
  • Learn about groundwater careers and science.

Quick Tips for Home & Landscape

  • Conserve water (e.g., shorter showers, full laundry loads).
  • Use native plants and reduce fertilizers/chemicals.
  • Recycle and dispose of hazardous waste properly

 

  1. Go native

    Use native plants in your landscape. They look great, and don’t need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region’s climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.

  2. Reduce chemical use

    Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly — don't dump them on the ground!

  3. Manage waste

    Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites — contact your local health department to find one near you.

  4. Don’t let it run

    Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or while shaving, and don’t let it run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead.

  5. Fix the drip

    Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water conserving models.

  6. Wash smarter

    Limit yourself to just a five-minute shower, and challenge your family members to do the same! Also, make sure to only run full loads in the dish and clothes washers.

  7. Water wisely

    Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.

  8. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

    Reduce the amount of “stuff” you use and reuse what you can. Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum and other materials.

  9. Natural alternatives

    Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products, are inexpensive, and environmentally-friendly.

  10. Learn and do more!

    Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.

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Groundwater Foundation connects people, businesses, and communities through local groundwater education and action, making us all part of the solution for clean, sustainable groundwater.

The National Ground Water Association is the hallmark organization for anyone affiliated with the groundwater industry. Learn more about NGWA membership.

WellOwner.org is your one-stop resource for information relating to private water well systems and groundwater. The Find a Contractor tool will also assist you in finding an NGWA member or NGWA-certified water well contractor in your area.

WellOwner.org is supported by the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP.org), as part of the USEPA funded program “Improving Water Quality through Training and Technical Assistance to Private Well Owners.”