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Water.
It’s probably one of the simplest things in our day-to-day lives. Yet it is also one of the most important. The human body is nearly 70% water and without it, we wouldn’t last very long. Of all the water on Earth, only about 3% is drinkable fresh water, and of that only about 1.2% is accessible for human consumption.
Some of the accessible water that we depend upon for survival is groundwater. This is water stored in natural pools underground called aquifers. Nearly 50% of the population of the United States gets their drinking water from a groundwater aquifer.
Given this, ensuring that the groundwater we
have available remains clean and free of contaminants is a top priority.
However, it can be much harder to detect and clean than many of us realize.
Addressing groundwater contamination and working towards reducing it is one of
the most important aspects of preserving our ability to survive on this planet.
Understanding
Groundwater
Where does our groundwater come from? It might seem like a relatively simple question, but the groundwater supply that we currently enjoy comes from thousands of years of natural processes. In essence, groundwater accumulates as water slowly makes its way through the soil, and it only stops when it reaches a solid material that it cannot pass through. As more and more water accumulates and is pooled up by the impassible layer, aquifers form.
There are several professionals that study different facets of this process. They range from hydrologists who specifically study the movement of water in a given system to geologists who study different components of rocks. Someone who specifically specializes in groundwater collection and management might be considered a hydrogeologist because they study the interplay between water and rocks (along with the many other materials water passes through).
There is a lot that goes into being a successful hydrogeologist. Professionals may work towards solving difficult problems such as:
●
Can the aquifer support more
development and housing in a certain area?
●
Will we lose surface water if
certain changes are made?
●
Is waste water mixing with
drinking water?
●
What chemicals are currently in
the water? Do they come from natural sources or are they from an anthropogenic
source?
●
How much water reclamation can be
expected in the aquifer in a given year? What about during a prolonged drought?
Groundwater
Contaminants
Water quality can have a direct impact on our health and well-being. Contamination of an aquifer can spell disaster for the communities that depend upon it. This is especially true if the water becomes contaminated to the point that it cannot be used for even municipal purposes without negative consequences.
Sometimes natural aspects of the landscape and the geology of the aquifer can determine if a groundwater source is at risk of contamination. As water passes along rocks it can cause erosion and leach chemicals into the water. Some examples of chemicals that are often found in groundwater sources include sulfates, iron, chlorides, fluoride and arsenic.
Non-natural sources of groundwater pollution are of the most significant concern when it comes to our groundwater. These contaminants are often leached into the soil and carried toward the aquifer as water makes its way down. Some of the major sources of groundwater pollution include things such as:
●
Road salts and de-icer
●
Greases, oils, and other
substances collected in parking lots and other paved surfaces
●
Leaking fuel (and other chemical)
storage and spills
●
Mine tailing piles
●
Agricultural fertilizers,
herbicides, and pesticides
●
Landfills
●
Septic systems
●
Pipelines
● Uncontrolled hazardous waste
Many of the chemicals associated with these
sources cause significant health problems if/when they
make it into the aquifer and pollute drinking water.
Working
to Improve Water Quality
Fortunately, there is quite a bit we can all do both personally and as a business to reduce the amount of groundwater contamination that is happening. Perhaps one of the biggest things that can be done is to check for leaking pipes. Leaks in septic systems, pipelines, or storage tanks around the house can be fixed and can make a big difference.
Additional things that we can do to reduce groundwater pollution
include things like taking steps to reduce the number of chemicals that we use
— whether that means allowing for some dandelions in the yard (which is great
for pollinators!) or using more natural cleaning products. Likewise, all of the
chemicals that are used should be disposed of properly. Many of the things we
can do at home are also things we can advocate for in our communities, which
will ultimately make the largest local difference.
Contributed by Indiana Lee: Indiana Lee is a journalist from the Pacific Northwest with a passion for covering workplace issues, environmental protection, social justice, and more. when she is not writing you can find her deep in the mountains with her two dogs. follow her work on contently, or reach her at indianaleewrites@gmail.com
