An annual observance established in 1999 to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater, the event is also a platform to encourage yearly water well testing and well maintenance, and the promotion of policies impacting groundwater quality and supply.
South Plains Underground Conservation District (SPUWCD) in Terry County promotes water conservation, encourages groundwater management practices, and provides information and assistance to landowners seeking to drill irrigation or domestic water wells through permitting, education and outreach.
Groundwater advocates across the country also use GWAW to highlight local water issues in their communities. The Texas affiliate of NGWA is the Texas Ground Water Association (TGWA), led by executive director Bobby Bazan, whose role is to build partnerships between contractors & drillers, manufacturers & suppliers, and ground water science in addition to representing water well professionals’ interests with state agencies and at the legislative level. Reach out to tgwa.org for more specific information or questions.
NGWA and its partners will be focusing their advocacy on promoting professional opportunities in the groundwater industry. According to the American Geosciences Institute, nationally there are more than 135,000 open positions in the industry now, which is far too high to keep up with consumer demand.
As more than 44 percent of the population depends on groundwater as a primary water source, developing an interest in the groundwater industry is of vital importance to both the health and economy of the country. Groundwater professionals span a wide variety of careers and skills including well contractors, hydrogeologists, groundwater policy advocates, and suppliers and manufacturers of groundwater technology.
GWAW also serves as an annual reminder for water well owners to test, tend, and treat their private water systems. NGWA encourages annual inspections of private water systems by certified water well contractors to ensure systems are operating correctly and producing safe and healthy water. WellOwner.org, which is operated by NGWA with assistance from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, offers private well owners tip sheets on water well maintenance and a “Find A Contractor” page allowing the public to find certified local water well contractors in their area.
Recently, several local groundwater districts, including Sandy Land UWCD and South Plains UWCD, provided an opportunity for well owners to participate in the Texas Well Owner Network (TWON)program operated through Texas A&M University. More information on this program can be found by contacting Joel Pigg, TWON Coordinator, at https://twon.tamu.edu/ .
PUWCD Facts about groundwater:
- The Ogallala Aquifer stretches more than 450,000 square kilometers (174,000 square miles) through the United States, including parts of South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, according to National Geographic. The Ogallala Aquifer holds more than 3,000 cubic kilometers (2.4 billion acre-feet) of groundwater.
- The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, according to the EPA.
- Of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the United States, nearly 9 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use, according to EPA’s WaterSense program. In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household’s outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent.
- The United States uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater for public supply, private supply, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric power, and other purposes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Tips for practicing Groundwater Awareness Week in your home, courtesy of WellOwner.org
- Why is a checkup important? A properly constructed and maintained household-supply well will provide you with many years of quality service. Routine inspection of a water well system can help ensure it is operating properly, prolong its useful life, and protect your investment. Most importantly, inspections can protect your health by discovering issues that could result in water quality problems presenting a health risk.
- Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a “clean” zone of at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) between your well and any kennels or livestock operations. Also, always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage areas. Your professional water well contractor is familiar with the applicable local codes.
- Get your water tested anytime there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime the system is serviced.
Additional Resources for March Water Awareness:
- EPA’s National “Fix a Leak Week” is March 17-23, 2025 – Homeowner’s are encouraged to check for indoor and outdoor plumbing leaks which can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year with ten percent of homes having leaks that waste gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in homes are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves or connections.
- World Water Day 2025 is March 22, 2025, with the theme ‘Glacier Preservation’ – World Water Day is held annually on March 22ndas a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. About 70% of Earth’s freshwater exists as snow or ice leaving less than 30% of freshwater resources available worldwide for use. Nearly 2 billion people rely on water from glaciers, snowmelt and mountain run-off for drinking, agriculture, and energy production worldwide. More information regarding World Water Day can be found at http://www.worldwaterday.org/
- Texas 4H Water Ambassador Program Applications Open March 15 through May 1, 2025 Texas 4H Water Ambassador program was established to promote youth participation in water conservation as well as encourage young people to enter professions related to water industries. The role of a 4-H Water Ambassador requires youth who are dedicated, mature, dependable and have a genuine interest in water and natural resources. To be considered for selection, young people must:
- Be in high school or entering high school in the 2025/2026 academic year
- Be 14 years of age or older by August 31, 2025
- Be a current 4-H member, or be willing to join a local 4-H club if selected
- Watch for more information on the Texas 4H Water Ambassador website https://www.texas4hwaterambassadors.com/ or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TX4HWaterAmbassador or contact Michelle Cooper, Education & Outreach Coordinator for South Plains UWCD, Sandy Land UWCD and Llano Estacado UWCD at savegroudwater@gmail.com or your individual groundwater district.
Thank you to NGWA, EPA, and the UN for portions of the information provided. For more information about groundwater resources including the Ogallala aquifer, water well drilling or permitting, local scholarships, the 4H Water Ambassador program or other water related issues reach out to your local groundwater conservation district.
