Getting Hands-on with Groundwater

by Jennifer Wemhoff, The Groundwater Foundation

Kids aren't the only ones who can have fun getting hands-on with groundwater. Groundwater Foundation staff recently presented information to adults about groundwater, contaminant sources, and how to take action to protect groundwater at work, at home, and in the community.

Staff from the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department utilized the Awesome Aquifer kits to see how groundwater moves and is connected to surface water, and how contaminants can impact groundwater supplies.

Staff then learned about potential hazards that exist around the home - things like improperly stored chemicals, leaking oil from vehicles, over-application of fertilizers - and their impact on stormwater. They drew a picture of a house, then used washable markers to represent the potential contaminants. When a squirt bottle "rained" on the drawing, the contaminants ran off the house and into the aquifers, showing the connection to groundwater contamination.

The Groundwater Foundation also presented the Park Districts and Municipal Golf Program with their Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation for 2014, recognizing them for their groundwater stewardship on parks and golf courses throughout the City of Lincoln.

The presentation was part of a project funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Thanks Lincoln Parks and Rec for a fun morning, and congratulations on your Green Site designation! Keep up the great work.