Ground Water

Groundwater is the water in saturated soils and the rocks under the soil. It is the source of most of the fresh water available for human consumption drawn through wells. Groundwater is recharged through percolation of surface water sources and moves, often slowly, due to gravity towards surface water bodies. It is vulnerable to pollution from surface activities, including improperly designed or installed septic systems.

Learn more about

• Water Wells
• Septic Systems

Groundwater Publications

• Protect Your Groundwater: Survey Your Home Environment (WSU)
• Nitrate in Ground Water (ID)
• How Alaska’s Groundwater is Contaminated (UAF)
• Abandoned Wells: The Forgotten Holes to Groundwater (WSU)
• Farming Practices for Groundwater Protection (WSU)
• Managing Livestock Manure to Protect Groundwater (WSU)
• Protecting Groundwater: Managing Livestock on Small Acreages (WSU)

Groundwater Resources

• EPA Groundwater and Drinking Water
• USGS Groundwater Information
• The Groundwater Trust
• The Groundwater Foundation
• Department of Ecology Washington Groundwater Quality