Guard Your Groundwater (Louisville, KY)
Did you know that groundwater is the source of drinking water supplies for nearly two million people in Kentucky? Additionally, more than 400,000 Kentucky residents rely on private water wells for drinking water and other water uses. Not only does groundwater quench our thirst, but it is also important in protecting water quality and quantity in surface rivers and streams – during drier times, these waters are derived almost completely from groundwater supplies.
Viewer Tip: A major source of water quality problems in Kentucky is improperly functioning or failing septic systems. If you have a septic system, cesspool, or other private system for wastewater disposal, an easy way to prevent groundwater pollution in your area is to divert rain water runoff from downspouts and other areas away from your septic drainfield. This will prevent the runoff water from transporting pollutants from the septic drainfield into groundwater supplies as it soaks into the ground.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Sources: Kentucky Division of Water: Groundwater Awareness. Available from: http://www.water.ky.gov/gw/GWB-GW_awareness.htm; The Commonwealth Water Education Project. “Sewage.” http://www.inyourwater.org/sewage.html; he National Onsite Water Recycling Association, www.nowra.org)
