When algae blooms decay, large amounts of oxygen are used, depleting the water's oxygen supply and affecting even more aquatic plants and animals. In addition to nutrient overloads, toxic household products including cleaners, pesticides, and herbicides can also enter groundwater supplies, causing problems for plants, animals, and humans. Once groundwater is contaminated, it usually takes a very long time for it to become pure. Natural processes that can help remove contaminants from surface water, such as atmospheric losses and breakdowns caused by sunlight and microorganisms, usually do not occur in groundwater. Slow water movement and cold temperatures also hinder the purification of groundwater.
Prevention is the key to protecting groundwater quality.
Once valuable groundwater supplies become contaminated, cleanup options are limited, extremely expensive, and time consuming. Resources For additional information on groundwater contamination and other land and water conservation concerns, contact you county conservation district office. Properly dispose of household wastes and poisons. Inspect your septic system every three to five years. Pump out the septic system regularly so it doesn't overload the drain field.