Contamination of groundwater is a severe problem because contaminants in the soil introduced from the surface, such as discarded or spilled motor oil, or from below the surface, such as a leaking underground gasoline storage tank or septic tank, tend to spread unnoticed until detected in a water supply well. Once contaminated, groundwater is extremely expensive and difficult to clean. Preventing groundwater contamination is simpler and cheaper than trying to clean it up in the future. Active citizens and communities are the keys to better groundwater protection. Citizen action by individuals, neighborhood associations, and communities of all sizes can protect our groundwater resources for generations to come.
Every great journey begins with a single step.
Someone needs to take the lead to bring groundwater issues before the community. Perhaps the best place to begin is with friends, colleagues, current community leaders, or an existing group. Organize a meeting where the Groundwater Guardian program can be discussed. Groundwater protection and conservation is an incremental process. There are seldom any fast solutions.