Guard Your Groundwater (Montana)
Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for most of Montana! 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: It’s estimated that more than 23 million home septic systems are in use in the U.S., and about 500,000 new systems are installed each year. Septic systems – especially older or impaired systems - can contribute unwanted bacteria and nutrients to our groundwater supplies. If you have a septic system, an easy way to prevent groundwater pollution in your area is to divert 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
(Source: The National Onsite Water Recycling Association, http://www.nowra.org/; Montana Department of Environmental Quality. “Ground Water Awareness Week.” http://www.deq.mt.gov/wqinfo/swp/StayWellCkYourWell.htm; Montana Public Library Natural Resource Information System. “Montana’s Groundwater Resources.” http://nris.state.mt.us/WIS/mtgwres.htm)
