Groundwater AWareness Week

Published February 26, 2024 by Julia Stanford

Groundwater Awareness Week is an annual observance established in 1999 to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW) will take place March 10-16, 2024. Groundwater advocates across the country can use GWAW to highlight local water issues in their communities. Continue reading for more resources and tools to inspire your GWAW celebration. 

National Recognition

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) serves as the steering organization for Groundwater Awareness Week, offering assets and information to help the groundwater community spread the word. Some of the easiest ways for a water-related organization to recognize GWAW are through the organization’s communication efforts. NGWA develops logos and social media graphics every year for GWAW, along with a set of facts about groundwater. Click here to explore NGWA’s graphic toolkit. 

Other methods to communicate the value of groundwater in advance of this celebratory week are issuing a news release or editorial to your local media, adopting a board resolution, or supporting a water-related event. See examples of prior years’ news articles from across the country here, here, and here.

Are You Well Aware?

GWAW also serves as an annual reminder for well maintenance. NGWA encourages well owners to “test, tend, and treat” their domestic wells, including an inspection completed by a licensed or certified water well professional. You can find a water well professional near you using a tool here on WellOwner.org, NGWA’s educational website for well owners. Texans can also find well ownership and maintenance information from the Texas Well Owner Network program here.

According to WellOwner.org, a well’s annual checkup should include the following:

  • A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance (check amp load, grounding, and line voltage), and pressure tank and pressure switch contact.
  • An inspection of well equipment to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements.
  • A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of local concern. Your water well contractor or local groundwater conservation district are great sources for information on water quality issues to keep an eye out for.
  • A concise, clear, written report delivered after the checkup that explains results and recommendations and includes all laboratory and other test results.

GWAW Efforts in Texas

In addition to the national resources provided by NGWA, the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee annually produces a document and poster for Groundwater Awareness Week. You can view the informational document here, filled with facts, figures, and actions you can take to protect groundwater. Click on the poster image to download and print it. 

For individuals, your local groundwater conservation district (GCD) is always a good starting point for information about your area’s groundwater resources, managing your well, and how to save groundwater. Find your GCD here on TAGD’s GCD Index.