Groundwater Contamination Gary Johnson

What is Groundwater? water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock. It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.

Why is Groundwater important? Supplies drinking water for 50% of U.S. population, 99% in rural areas 99% of accessible drinking water is G.W. 64% of water used for irrigation is G.W. Source of recharge for rivers, lakes, and wetlands

Sources of G.W. Contamination Landfills Septic Tanks Storage Tanks (gas, oil, chemicals, etc.) Chemicals and Road Salts Hazardous Waste (acid mine drainage, nuclear wastewater, fracking wastewater, etc.)

Consequences Disease Poisoning Crop contamination Long term exposure shown to cause certain types of cancer

Policy The Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) – Only protected public water systems that regularly supplies piped water to 15 or more connections or to 25 or more individuals at least 60 days a year. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (aka Superfund) - government program to remediate sites of hazardous waste. 1,322 sites on National Priority List, yet 30% budget cut is proposed.

G.W. Remediation Methods Biological Chemical Physical All methods are extremely expensive and time consuming

Discussion Questions What are efficient methods to limit groundwater contamination? How could an individual reduce their contribution to water contamination? Which remediation method should be utilized and why? (biological, chemical, physical) Why do you think water contamination is often disregarded? (cost, image, lack of knowledge etc.)

Work Cited http://science.sciencemag.org/content/221/4612/713 http://www.groundwater.org/ https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 08/documents/mgwc-gwc1.pdf http://www.americanbar.org