National Groundwater Awareness Week is March 10-16

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has organized this week-long event, devoted to raising the public's awareness of groundwater.  Some facts gained by reading the NGWA's press release about the event are definitely worth sharing:

• 99% of all available freshwater in the world is groundwater, according to the USGS. That means all the world’s rivers, lakes, and streams make up only 1%.
• The USGS also reports that on average, 30% of all streamflow in the U.S. is from groundwater.
• Perhaps 90% of the population in rural areas would have no reliable water source if it weren’t for private household water wells that tap groundwater.

Considering the impact of these facts on our day to day lives, this week is about raising public awareness and increasing stewardship for our groundwater resources.  So take a moment to learn more about groundwater, appreciate its value, and discover ways to protect it!

Suggested resources for further reading on the topic of Groundwater:
Wisconsin's Water Library's Water Research Guide: Groundwater
University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute
USGS Water Science School: Groundwater
NGWA: About Groundwater
NGWA: Groundwater Stewardship, Protection and Conservation
Wisconsin DNR: Groundwater