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Farm Bureau promotes groundwater awareness
One week in March devoted to
educating people about importance of life-giving liquid
Cyndie Sirekis
Guest Comment
Capital Press
March 9, 2007
Are you a groundwater advocate? If not, you should be. More than 40 percent of all water used for agricultural irrigation is groundwater.
An overwhelming majority of rural residents rely on household well water systems. In fact, 95 percent of all available fresh water is in the ground.
In a nutshell, groundwater is a lifeline for rural America. Many farms, homesteads and rural communities could not exist without it. We simply cannot take groundwater for granted.
That is why Farm Bureau is partnering with the National Ground Water Association to spread the word about groundwater, well maintenance, water testing, conservation and more, during National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 11-17.
The Ground Water Awareness Week message is four-fold. First and foremost, protect groundwater with proper storage, use and disposal of hazardous substances, whether they are household or farm products. What is spilled on the ground, thrown in the trash or poured down the drain can pollute groundwater.
Second, use water wisely - it is a precious resource. Increasingly, it's not just arid or semi-arid places that are experiencing water scarcity. Using groundwater wisely can help ensure a plentiful supply for all.
Do your part at home or on the farm by: Fixing leaky toilets or faucets (could save thousands of gallons of water a year), installing low-flow shower heads, and using water-efficient appliances and running them only with full loads. If you use sprinklers to water the lawn or garden, check often to make sure they're placed where needed.
Third, get an annual well-maintenance check - it's less expensive in the long run. Not only will regular maintenance help prevent breakdowns, but it also helps ensure efficient water well system operation. That means less cost in the delivery of water to your house, fields, orchards or livestock.
Finally, get an annual water test. The cost is usually nominal. As a well owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that the water from your wells is safe to drink. A certified laboratory can provide a detailed analysis of your water. Your county health department may offer water testing.
Do-it-yourself tests are also widely available, but make sure the one you use is laboratory certified for accurate and reliable results.
Most water quality problems can be solved. If you detect problems in your well supply, a certified well water contractor can provide assistance.
The human body is about 65 percent water. A person can survive just eight to 10 days without water, but it takes weeks or even months to die from a lack of food. So, if you think you can do without good quality groundwater, you're all wet.
Cyndie Sirekis is a director of news services at the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Are you a groundwater advocate? If not, you should be. More than 40 percent of all water used for agricultural irrigation is groundwater.
An overwhelming majority of rural residents rely on household well water systems. In fact, 95 percent of all available fresh water is in the ground.
In a nutshell, groundwater is a lifeline for rural America. Many farms, homesteads and rural communities could not exist without it. We simply cannot take groundwater for granted.
That is why Farm Bureau is partnering with the National Ground Water Association to spread the word about groundwater, well maintenance, water testing, conservation and more, during National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 11-17.
The Ground Water Awareness Week message is four-fold. First and foremost, protect groundwater with proper storage, use and disposal of hazardous substances, whether they are household or farm products. What is spilled on the ground, thrown in the trash or poured down the drain can pollute groundwater.
Second, use water wisely - it is a precious resource. Increasingly, it's not just arid or semi-arid places that are experiencing water scarcity. Using groundwater wisely can help ensure a plentiful supply for all.
Do your part at home or on the farm by: Fixing leaky toilets or faucets (could save thousands of gallons of water a year), installing low-flow shower heads, and using water-efficient appliances and running them only with full loads. If you use sprinklers to water the lawn or garden, check often to make sure they're placed where needed.
Third, get an annual well-maintenance check - it's less expensive in the long run. Not only will regular maintenance help prevent breakdowns, but it also helps ensure efficient water well system operation. That means less cost in the delivery of water to your house, fields, orchards or livestock.
Finally, get an annual water test. The cost is usually nominal. As a well owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that the water from your wells is safe to drink. A certified laboratory can provide a detailed analysis of your water. Your county health department may offer water testing.
Do-it-yourself tests are also widely available, but make sure the one you use is laboratory certified for accurate and reliable results.
Most water quality problems can be solved. If you detect problems in your well supply, a certified well water contractor can provide assistance.
The human body is about 65 percent water. A person can survive just eight to 10 days without water, but it takes weeks or even months to die from a lack of food. So, if you think you can do without good quality groundwater, you're all wet.
Cyndie Sirekis is a director of news services at the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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