Do you get your water from a well?

While I live in the Back Off Government capital of Ontario, many of us know we have to protect the environment. Here is a press release from the US, which features some good advice about wells. I get a lot of spam from US PR firms, with 'important information of interest to your (my) readers!"

Ontario produces a DVD of information.
Each province has much information, as well as rules and regulations. We just had our water tested, despite out summer drought. It is less likely to be contaminated in a drought situation.

Canadian Government Websites

Ontario's Wells Regulation (Reg. 903) for more information 

Ontario Ministry of Environment  

Ontario Ministry of Health
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
Health Canada

From the NGWA video

Press release:

Protecting groundwater protects public health, the environment

The National Ground Water Association (US) encourages the public to protect public health and the health of the environment by protecting groundwater beginning on Protect Your Groundwater Day, September 11.

In the United States, 88 million Americans rely on groundwater-supplied community water systems while another 42 million Americans rely on individual household water wells.

For household water well owners, how they manage their well systems and property can make a difference in their water quality. People who do not use household wells also can make a difference in groundwater quality, for instance, by how they store, use, and dispose of hazardous household substances, or how well they maintain their septic systems.

 

Additionally, with drought gripping our nation, protecting groundwater through conservation is more important than ever.

US Drought Monitor

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

The data cutoff for Drought Monitor maps is Tuesday at 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The maps, which are based on analysis of the data, are released each Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Protect Your Groundwater Day is an occasion for every citizen to ACT: Acknowledge the issue, Consider how it applies to you, then take Action. Here are some action steps individuals can take courtesy of the (state agency) and the National Ground Water Association:

1. Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination

• Everyone
  • There are hazardous substances common to households
  • Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home.
• If you own  a water well
  • Wellheads should be a safe distancefrom potential contamination
  • Septic systemmalfunctions can pollute groundwater
  • Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination
  • Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination (read related article).                             

2. Consider which apply to you

• Everyone
  • What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
  • Where do you and your family use the most water?
• If you own  a water well
  • Is your wellhead a safe distancefrom possible contamination?
  • Is your well/septicsystem due for an inspection?
  • Are there any abandoned wells on your property?

3. Take action to prevent groundwater contamination

• Everyone

When it comes to water conservation:

• Modify your water use(more water saving tips)
• Install a water-saving device.

When it comes to hazardous household substances:

• Store them properly in a secure place
• Use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Dispose of them safely.
• If you own  a water well
  • Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead
  • Get current on your septicsystem inspection and cleaning
  • Get an annual water well system inspection
  • Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.

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