A special thanks to everyone who took part in our webinar on Tuesday with Karen Griffin O'Connor from Olsson Associates in Lincoln, Nebraska. There were more than 22 states represented as well as different locations in Canada.
Karen spoke about Sustainable Groundwater Development Using GIS and Groundwater Modeling. It was a very educational event. There were many great questions received during the webinar that Karen was able to spend some time on during the Q&A session.
If you didn't get a chance to watch the live webinar, it is now available as an archived event. Just follow this link to our website: http://www.groundwater.org/pe/webinars_20090825.html. There is a cost involved to watch the archived version. If you are a Groundwater Foundation member, be sure to email us at webinar@groundwater.org to receive a $5 off coupon code.
The next webinar has been set for Tuesday, September 22. The title is Groundwater Guardian Showcase: Adult Groundwater Education. You will be able to begin registering for the event in early September. More details to come.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Water on the world's mind
A recently released study on global water issues relayed much of the information that we have grown accustomed to hearing -- people care about water issues and they want to help!
Ninety-three percent of the responses from countries around the world said that water pollution is a serious or somewhat serious problem. Ninety-one percent feel that a shortage of fresh water is a serious or somewhat serious problem. But they also added -- at a 76 percent clip -- that they need more information to do more to protect the water. At The Groundwater Foundation (www.groundwater.org) we are all about educating the public. We hope you come to us as a resource on how to protect groundwater in the state, country and the world.
Here is the online article: http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=72432
The article also provides a link to the full study.
Brian
Ninety-three percent of the responses from countries around the world said that water pollution is a serious or somewhat serious problem. Ninety-one percent feel that a shortage of fresh water is a serious or somewhat serious problem. But they also added -- at a 76 percent clip -- that they need more information to do more to protect the water. At The Groundwater Foundation (www.groundwater.org) we are all about educating the public. We hope you come to us as a resource on how to protect groundwater in the state, country and the world.
Here is the online article: http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=72432
The article also provides a link to the full study.
Brian
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
End of Summer "to do" List
As we near the end of yet another summer, we need take a look at what's left on our summer “to do” list. For the many people who rely on a private well for drinking water, summer is often the time to have their well tested.
In order to maintain a clean, safe supply of water, testing and other regular maintenance are critical. To help you remember these important tasks you can join the Water Systems Council’s wellcare® Well Owner’s Network. As a member of the Network, which, by the way, is FREE, you will receive important notifications, reminders, updated information and handy tips for maintaining your private well.
To join the Network today, call 1-888-395-1033 or visit www.watersystemscouncil.org/network.php.
In order to maintain a clean, safe supply of water, testing and other regular maintenance are critical. To help you remember these important tasks you can join the Water Systems Council’s wellcare® Well Owner’s Network. As a member of the Network, which, by the way, is FREE, you will receive important notifications, reminders, updated information and handy tips for maintaining your private well.
To join the Network today, call 1-888-395-1033 or visit www.watersystemscouncil.org/network.php.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tap or Bottled Water?
Recently I read an article about the difference and similarities between tap and bottled water. I began thinking more about some of the benefits and disadvantages of both. Bottled water can be convenient, it is sold cold at convenience and grocery stores everywhere; however tap water is a more economical choice. Some bottled water has distinct tastes that some people enjoy; however if you refill a reusable bottle or glass with tap water it reduces waste as well as the environmental impact of the bottling, packaging, and shipping process to get the water to your local stores.
Here are some other facts about tap and bottled water to think about the next time you are deciding between the two options.
- Americans drink more than 1 billion glasses of tap water per day. Water provided to consumers by a public water supply system is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets standards for over 90 contaminants that can be found in water. If the water from a public supply becomes contaminated and is a potential health risk, the water supply system is required to notify the public and provide an alternative safe source of water. In addition community water systems send out an annual report sharing with its customers the quality of their water source.
If the water you drink comes from a private well, which includes about 15% of the US population, you as the owner of the well are responsible for having the water tested. This should be done on a regular basis to make sure the water quality is sufficient for drinking. Water from private wells is not regulated by law; however the EPA sets guidelines for private well owners to follow.
- Americans spend over $10 billion dollars on bottled water every year. If you drink bottled water it may come from a public water system or a private source. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water and set standards for contaminants based on the EPA standards. When EPA creates a drinking water standard the FDA must either establish a new standard for bottled water or show proof that the EPA standard is not applicable to bottled water. When an FDA regulated contaminant is found at high levels in bottled water, the FDA will enforce action such as removing the product from stores. To learn more about the quality of bottled water consumers must contact the bottler directly.
When it comes to tap or bottled water, what do you choose? Are there specific reasons that make you decide to drink one or the other? I would like to hear what you think.
Here are some other facts about tap and bottled water to think about the next time you are deciding between the two options.
- Americans drink more than 1 billion glasses of tap water per day. Water provided to consumers by a public water supply system is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets standards for over 90 contaminants that can be found in water. If the water from a public supply becomes contaminated and is a potential health risk, the water supply system is required to notify the public and provide an alternative safe source of water. In addition community water systems send out an annual report sharing with its customers the quality of their water source.
If the water you drink comes from a private well, which includes about 15% of the US population, you as the owner of the well are responsible for having the water tested. This should be done on a regular basis to make sure the water quality is sufficient for drinking. Water from private wells is not regulated by law; however the EPA sets guidelines for private well owners to follow.
- Americans spend over $10 billion dollars on bottled water every year. If you drink bottled water it may come from a public water system or a private source. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water and set standards for contaminants based on the EPA standards. When EPA creates a drinking water standard the FDA must either establish a new standard for bottled water or show proof that the EPA standard is not applicable to bottled water. When an FDA regulated contaminant is found at high levels in bottled water, the FDA will enforce action such as removing the product from stores. To learn more about the quality of bottled water consumers must contact the bottler directly.
When it comes to tap or bottled water, what do you choose? Are there specific reasons that make you decide to drink one or the other? I would like to hear what you think.
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