Did you know that March 7th -13th is National Groundwater Awareness Week? This is a great time to educate others about the importance of groundwater in our lives and our community.
Groundwater Facts and FAQs
Did you know that the United States uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater? That’s staggering! And, for those of us in California, here’s another shocking figure: 66.80% of our freshwater supply is from groundwater.
What exactly is groundwater? As the name suggests, it is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil. We use it for both public and private supply, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric power, and other purposes.
Unfortunately, groundwater can become contaminated by man-made products such as gasoline, oil, salts and chemicals. There is also a threat of groundwater overuse and depletion.
What can be done to protect our groundwater?
The good news is that there IS something we can ALL do to protect and preserve our groundwater. In fact, there are at least 10 things … like these helpful tips from the National Groundwater Association. We think these are great ways to do our part in protecting our water!
- Use native plants and grasses at home – When you design your personal landscape with plants, grasses, and foliage that are native, there is a greater chance that they will thrive without the use of extra water, fertilizer, and chemicals. That not only saves you money but helps save our groundwater, too.
- Don’t use as many chemicals – Whenever possible, find natural alternatives to common chemicals used around your home and yard that could be harmful to the environment.
- Practice responsible waste management – If you do have to use chemicals like paint, oil, and other toxic substances, find a place in your community where you can dispose of them safely and responsibly.
- Turn off the water! – It’s easy to waste valuable water when you leave the tap running while shaving, brushing your teeth, or waiting for the water to get to the right temperature.
- Have a leak? Don’t delay fixing it. – Water conservation at home is easy when you catch and fix leaky faucets and fixtures right way.
- Make the most of your water – How? Take shorter showers and only run full loads of laundry or dishes in the dishwasher.
- Be smart about watering outside. – If you have to irrigate your lawn or landscape, do it when the weather is cooler, like in the morning or evening. And, pay attention to local water restrictions if they exist.
- Reduce waste. – When you reduce, reuse, and recycle, you help prevent harmful chemicals from getting into the environment and ultimately, our groundwater.
- Go natural. – Cleaning products are often a source of groundwater pollution. Whenever possible, use natural alternatives like lemon juice or baking soda to clean in an environmentally friendly way.
- Stand up for groundwater! – Take the time to get educated about groundwater issues and preservation. Together, we can DO this!
Take control of YOUR water today
Protecting the safety of groundwater is an important priority, and so is the quality of your water at home. Palm Springs Water Systems has been offering residential water services and products since 1928. In addition, our products have earned the Water Quality Association (WQA) Gold Seal of approval, ensuring that we are held to the highest standards of the industry.
Call us to get your water tested anytime you notice a change in taste, odor or appearance to your water. We offer many products, including custom solutions, so we welcome you to contact us to discuss your options!