Happy Groundwater Awareness Week 2025

Greetings, friends! I’m so excited to be back with you all, especially during this time of year. As we transition further into the month of March, we begin to wave goodbye to winter and start welcoming spring! Not only is spring around the corner, but so is a very important week for water – Groundwater Awareness Week. Come join me as we take a deeper dive into Groundwater Awareness Week!

What is Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW)?
Groundwater Awareness Week usually takes place during the second week of March. Throughout this week, the National Ground Water Association and water agencies like IEUA promote the development, management, and use of groundwater. The main goal of GWAW is to educate the public about the importance of groundwater, advocate for the testing of water systems, and encourage safe water practices to preserve the overall quality of groundwater. That’s why I am here with you today!

Fun fact: A majority of the water that is used throughout the entire United States comes from the ground. Did you know that according to the U.S. Geologic Survey, one in three people who live in the U.S. obtain their drinking water from the ground?

What is groundwater?
In the simplest of terms, groundwater is water located beneath the earth’s surface in areas between soil and rock. To be exact, groundwater comes from precipitation or snowmelt that falls to the ground and flows into the soil and rock. Groundwater is held in aquifers and can be pumped through wells. This water can also be accessed naturally! Groundwater can rise through a spring or dispense water into streams or lakes. The process begins when rain or snow falls to the ground. Once that water lands on the ground, some of that water runs off the surface as surface water, while some may be used by plants and released back into the atmosphere.  Another portion of that water may also evaporate into the atmosphere, while the remaining water percolates into the ground and fills the spaces between the rock and soil.

Why is groundwater important?

Groundwater is a critical resource that supports ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies worldwide. Furthermore, groundwater is the main source of drinking water for a large portion of the global population. Not only does groundwater serve the global population, but it also contributes to agriculture through irrigation, refills surface water (such as rivers and lakes), and helps maintain ecosystems! My friends at IEUA actually maintain 46 basins throughout the region used for groundwater recharge. Groundwater is a vital resource for the environment and human life.

Another fun fact: Did you know that according to the United States Geological Survey, groundwater provides drinking water for 90% of the rural population?

Share with your friends the important role water plays in sustaining a beautiful planet, especially groundwater. Also, check out my water friends at @ieuawater on social media as they will be posting more cool facts about GWAW—you won’t want to miss it.

That’s all for me, friends!

Stay water-ful,
Wally