A representative from the Dallas County Health Department shares resourceful advice about protecting groundwater in the area.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters pinpoints that National Groundwater Awareness Week was last week, but illustrates that most people are unaware of the concept of groundwater. She notes that groundwater is underneath the earth’s surface between rocks and soil compared to surface water (oceans, lakes, streams, etc.). Peters describes that Dallas County residents that primarily need to focus on protecting groundwater are the ones with wells or septic systems on their property. She zeros in on the main aspect to protect groundwater from.

“The main thing is to keep them safe from contamination. So doing things like avoiding using pesticides, fertilizers, or like other strong chemicals near the well can really protect the well water. Also, sloping the land away from the well to drain any runoff, so it doesn’t drain into the well that you’ll be drinking from.”

Peters also mentions that even if the wells are dry or abandoned not to dispose of any trash because that could contaminate the groundwater. She recommends having well water tested at least once a year unless detection of a weird taste or smell emitting from the water.