National Ground Water Association Provides Key Insights to
White House on America's Groundwater Challenges

Input includes support for increased monitoring, local protection efforts,
and managed aquifer recharge

(Westerville, OH – July 12, 2024) – The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recently submitted input to the White House, highlighting critical challenges and opportunities facing America’s groundwater. The response followed the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) announcing in April it was launching a working group on groundwater.

The document was authored by Bill Alley, Ph.D., NGWA’s director of science and technology, Chuck Job, NGWA’s manager of regulatory affairs, and Tim Parker, PG, CEG, CHG, NGWA Board Director and Government Affairs Committee member.

“Safeguarding groundwater is a global challenge, but the primary sustainable management solutions are found at the local and aquifer or groundwater basin level,” said NGWA Director of Science and Technology Bill Alley, Ph.D. “Key federal roles involve research, monitoring, and support to state and local agencies in carrying out effective programs.”

In their comments, NGWA emphasizes several key areas to enhance groundwater sustainably, quality, and resilience:

• Increased investment in the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Climate Response Network. These efforts are crucial for collecting comprehensive data on groundwater levels, quality, and usage across the country.
• Growing importance of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as a sustainable practice. This includes the use of stormwater, treated wastewater, and other sources to replenish aquifers. Implementing best practices in MAR can significantly enhance groundwater storage and availability.
• Recognizing the interdependence of groundwater and surface water, NGWA recommends laws and incentives that encourage the conjunctive use of these resources. This approach can help manage water supplies more effectively, especially during droughts.
• Impacts of emerging and legacy contaminants, such as PFAS and arsenic, which threaten groundwater quality. This includes supporting remediation efforts and ensuring that water quality monitoring is a key component of groundwater management.
  

NGWA also calls for the development of comprehensive groundwater sustainability plans. These plans could establish water budgets, set sustainability criteria, and include projects aimed at increasing supply and managing demand.

"We greatly appreciate this opportunity to share our input on policies to protect our nation’s groundwater and share strategies to ensure future generations have access to clean, safe, and sustainable water supplies,” said NGWA CEO Terry Morse, CAE, CIC. “By working together, we can implement effective management practices that address current challenges and secure our water future."

The document NGWA provided to the White House can be found here.

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The National Ground Water Association is a not-for-profit professional society and trade association for the global groundwater industry. Our members around the world include leading public and private sector groundwater scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers of groundwater-related products and services. The Association’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association advocating for responsible development, management, and use of water.