Groundwater, also known as aquifers, is one of the main ways we receive and collect fresh water. It forms from water seeping through the mantle or the Earth's crust over a long period of time. In some places, the aquifer is supported by a gaining stream which can spread pollutants with less difficulty. Along with aquifers we also rely on surface water which is also at risk for pollution.
The United States water consumption has been steadily rising from the 1950s from 174 to 306 billions of gallons per day.These resources need to be protected in order for our society and world to function properly. Unfortunately, the amount of things that put aquifers and surface water at risk is a long list indeed.
1. Saltwater Intrusion
Saltwater intrusion is a threat to the inhabitants of people along the coastline. This unfortunate process is due to overdrawing from aquifers that happens during the summer months. Overdrawing from aquifers can cause cones of depression occur which interferes with these aquifers natural seaward flow. This seaward flow prevents salt water from entering an aquifer. When this flow has been disrupted the barrier, aka zone of diffusion, between saltwater and freshwater breaks down. One real-life example of an area at risk of and in the process of saltwater intrusion is Cape May Court House New Jersey. By clicking the following link you can see a report done by the USGS or United States Geological Survey on the future of water use in Cape May Court House.
2. Arsenic
So the standards set for the level of arsenic allowed to be present in an active well is 10 micrograms of arsenic per liter of water. In a study done by USGS, they estimated that around 2.1 million people could potentially be drinking water contaminated by arsenic from minerals in the surrounding area. To elaborate, they used water samples from 20,000 domestic well to make a determination which areas are at a higher risk from arsenic. Some of the areas included are Florida, Virgina, North and South Carolina, Maryland, Michigan, Maine, New Hamshire, New Jersey, Washinton, Oregon, Nevada, California, and more listed in the article. Please remember to get your water tested if your drink from a private well.
3. Surface Water
Surface water, such as rivers lakes and ponds, is at risk due to runoff from a variety of different sources. These sources can include fertilizer, pesticides, algae blooms, sewage, and various bacteria which can also act as indicators of overall water quality.To elaborate further, runoff can consist of any contaminant that enters the system such as runoff from a mine or other pollutants. One such example is farm runoff which has increased due to more intense storms and causes pesticides to enter the system. This can affect the reproduction of various aquatic species due to the change in the quality of water.
To conclude, moving forward we can push for a change in the education of others and hope that through education this awareness will aid in deciding laws. In regards to Cape May Court House, there should be more reliance on water from other aquifers being pumped into the area to allow for rehabilitation. Anyone using a private well should be keeping watch on their supply and have annual water quality tests administered.
