Consumer Data Privacy Policy
Overview
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) respects the privacy of its members, customers, and visitors to its website. NGWA does not collect personal information through its website without the knowledge and consent of the individual. Personal information is provided voluntarily through applications, registrations, purchases, surveys, forms, and other online services.
This policy explains how information is collected, used, protected, and shared.
Information We Collect and How We Use It
NGWA is the sole owner of information collected through www.ngwa.org.
Personal information is collected only when voluntarily submitted and may include information such as your name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, organization, and payment information necessary to process transactions.
NGWA uses this information to:
- Process memberships, registrations, purchases, and other requests.
- Provide products and services.
- Respond to customer inquiries.
- Communicate important information regarding your membership, purchases, or participation in NGWA programs.
- Improve website functionality and customer service.
NGWA does not sell, rent, loan, trade, or lease personal information to outside organizations.
Individuals may update their personal information or communication preferences online or by contacting NGWA Customer Service.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
NGWA does not sell, rent, loan, trade, or lease personal information to outside organizations.
Mobile Information
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will never be shared with any third parties.
Membership Directory
Members may choose whether to appear in the online and printed membership directories by updating their communication preferences online or by contacting NGWA Customer Service.
Discussion Forums and Chat Rooms
Members participating in online discussion forums or chat rooms should understand that any information voluntarily posted in these areas may be viewed and used by others.
Committees, Task Groups, and Working Groups
Contact information for members serving on the Board of Directors, committees, task groups, and other official NGWA groups may be published when appropriate to facilitate communication within the groundwater community.
Payment Security
All online transactions are processed through secure, encrypted connections.
NGWA does not transmit credit card information through email or include payment information in order confirmations. Payment transactions are processed using secure, PCI DSS-compliant payment processing services.
While NGWA works to ensure that any third-party providers maintain appropriate security standards, NGWA cannot guarantee the security of external websites.
Website Analytics and Cookies
NGWA analyzes website usage through web server logs and analytics tools to monitor website performance and improve the user experience.
Aggregate statistics, such as page views and advertisement impressions, may be shared with sponsors or advertisers. These statistics do not identify individual users.
Some HTML email communications also measure aggregate open and click-through rates to evaluate communication effectiveness.
NGWA uses cookies to improve website functionality and enhance the online experience.
Cookies may be used to:
- Maintain secure login sessions.
- Remember shopping cart contents.
- Store user preferences.
- Improve website performance.
Users who disable cookies may be unable to access certain features of the website.
User Accounts and Personalization
Certain areas of the website require users to create an account using a username and password.
Passwords are encrypted and are never accessible to NGWA staff.
Information stored within a user's account is used to personalize the website experience and provide access to member-only services.
Users may update their personal information through My NGWA or by contacting Customer Service.
NGWA recommends logging out after each session, particularly when using public computers.
Email Communications
NGWA periodically communicates with members, customers, and website users regarding:
- Membership information
- Event updates
- Educational opportunities
- Publications
- Products and services
- Association news
Users may unsubscribe from promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions included in the email, updating their communication preferences online, or contacting Customer Service.
NGWA does not sell or distribute email addresses to outside organizations.
Do Not Call Policy
NGWA complies with all applicable federal and state "Do Not Call" laws and regulations.
Individuals may request to opt out of telephone communications by updating their communication preferences online or by contacting Customer Service.
Legal Disclosure
NGWA may disclose personal information when required by law or when disclosure is necessary to comply with a court order, legal process, or other lawful governmental request.
Data Retention
NGWA retains personal information only as long as necessary to provide requested services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce applicable agreements.
Links to Third-Party Websites
The NGWA website contains links to third-party websites for the convenience of users.
NGWA is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of external websites.
Policy Updates
NGWA reserves the right to modify these policies at any time. Updated versions will be posted on this page with the revised effective date.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding these policies or the use of your personal information, please contact:
National Ground Water Association
601 Dempsey Road
Westerville, Ohio 43081 USA
Phone: (800) 551-7379 or (614) 898-7791
Email: customerservice@ngwa.org
Delivery & Shipping Policy
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) strives to process and ship orders as quickly as possible.
Digital Products and Services
- Memberships: Membership benefits are generally activated within one (1) business day after payment has been successfully processed.
- Event Registrations: Registration confirmations are sent immediately by email after payment is completed. Additional event information will be provided prior to the event.
- Digital Products: Online publications, educational materials, and other digital products are generally available immediately after purchase or within one (1) business day. Access instructions will be sent to the email address provided during checkout.
Physical Products
Orders received on business days are typically processed and shipped within one (1) business day. Orders received on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day.
Shipping options include:
- USPS Media Mail (default shipping method for most bookstore orders)
- USPS Priority Mail
- USPS Priority Mail Express
Awesome Aquifer Science Kits are shipped via USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground.
Delivery times are determined by the shipping carrier and the shipping method selected during checkout.
Questions regarding orders may be directed to customerservice@ngwa.org.
Return & Refund Policy
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is committed to providing quality products and services.
Physical Products
Books, publications, and other physical merchandise may be returned within thirty (30) days of delivery if they are unused and in their original condition.
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item was damaged, defective, or shipped in error.
Approved refunds will be credited to the original payment method after the returned merchandise has been received and inspected. Depending upon your financial institution, refunds may require five (5) to ten (10) business days to appear on your account.
Damaged or Incorrect Items
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please notify NGWA within ten (10) days of delivery. NGWA will arrange for a replacement or issue a full refund, including applicable shipping charges.
Digital Products
Because access to digital products is generally provided immediately after purchase, digital products are non-refundable once access has been provided, except where required by law or when technical issues cannot be resolved.
Memberships
Membership dues are generally non-refundable after membership benefits have been activated, except where required by law or at NGWA's discretion.
Event Registrations
Conference registrations, workshops, and other event registrations are subject to the cancellation and refund policy published for the specific event. Event-specific policies supersede this general policy.
Promotional Offers
From time to time, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) may offer promotional pricing, discounts, coupons, or other special offers for memberships, events, products, or services.
Unless otherwise stated in the specific promotion:
Promotions are valid only during the advertised promotional period.
Promotions are subject to any eligibility requirements described in the offer.
Promotions may not be combined with other discounts, promotional offers, or special pricing unless expressly stated.
Promotional discounts have no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash or credit.
Promotions apply only to qualifying purchases made during the promotional period.
NGWA reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any promotion at any time, except where prohibited by law.
Additional terms and conditions may apply and will be provided with the specific promotional offer.
Questions regarding any promotion may be directed to NGWA Customer Service at customerservice@ngwa.org or by calling (800) 551-7379 or (614) 898-7791.