As more than 44 percent of the population depends on groundwater as a primary water source, developing an interest in the groundwater industry is of vital importance to both the health and economy of the country. Groundwater professionals span a wide variety of careers and skills including well contractors, hydrogeologists, groundwater policy advocates, and suppliers and manufacturers of groundwater technology.
In an effort to respond to this shortfall of groundwater professionals, NGWA has partnered with Oklahoma State University to develop tools to attract more people into the industry.
Drilling Basics Online is a first of its kind online platform for individuals to pursue a comprehensive education in groundwater drilling and geoscience with a focus on the competencies tested for on groundwater drilling exams.
The courses offered through Drilling Basics Online are Drilling Safety, Geology & Groundwater, Hydrogeology & Fluid Mechanics, Rig Type & Well Design, Drill Rig Safety, and General Workplace Safety. The program continues to be developed with new online offerings while adding classroom and field courses.
GWAW also serves as an annual reminder for water well owners to test, tend, and treat their private water systems. NGWA encourages annual inspections of private water systems by certified water well contractors to ensure systems are operating correctly and producing safe and healthy water.
WellOwner.org, which is operated by NGWA with assistance from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, offers private well owners tip sheets on water well maintenance and a “Find A Contractor” page allowing the public to find certified local water well contractors in their area.