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Groundwater Clean Up Methods

Groundwater is an essential part of the ecosystem. Once it comes back to the earth through rain, sleet or snow, it soaks into the ground and is stored in gravel and sand. The majority of groundwater is clean. However, pollutants constantly contaminate a large amount. Under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act --- better known as the Clean Water Act --- it is unlawful to discharge pollutants from pointed sources, like pipes and man-made ditches, without a permit.

  1. Proper Disposal

    • Groundwater contamination comes from a variety of misappropriations. Excessive chemical disposal is a problem for groundwater. Oil, gas and other chemical companies dump pounds of waste into water systems. However, you do not have to contribute. You can take any and all chemical disposals to a proper hazardous materials collection site. Groundwater would be unfit for human consumption if the contaminants were not properly disposed and leaked into the ground --- entering the groundwater supply. People catch serious diseases from these contaminants. Not only are people effected, but animals are also poisoned by these contaminants.

    Limiting Fertilizers and Pesticides

    • The use of fertilizers and pesticides could be limited. Sure, they help kill insects and weeds which are nuances; however, they --- like the chemical runoff --- soak into the ground and get into groundwater supplies --- especially when it rains. Families with lawns should use caution with different fertilizers they use as well; contamination is not limited to farmlands. You should practice using environmentally safe products --- not only for the lawn.

    Children Involvement

    • Children can encourage one another to reduce, reuse and recycle products. A usage reduction would mean less contamination. Also, children can pick up any litter found on the ground and place it in its proper place. If they really want to get creative and add fun to the cleanup, they can create educational posters --- letting people know about ways to keep groundwater pollutant-free. Community leaders should support the children's endeavors --- especially since they are attempting to make the community a better place for the future.

    Water Conservation

    • A lot of water pollution comes from residential kitchens and bathrooms. Chemicals and other wastes are poured down drains, daily. It is best to clean a full load of dishes instead of washing a few several times a day. A survey conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency shown that Americans use more water flushing the toilet than from showering and other activities. Different wastes are flushed daily. If you flush chemical pollutants down the toilet, they spread quickly through underground pipes and empty out into sewage --- which could leak into groundwater, if there are cracks in the pipes.

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