03/09/2026
It's National Groundwater Awareness Week!
In conjunction with the National Ground Water Association’s 2026 National Groundwater Awareness Week, the Private Well Class is hosting its 11th annual Pledge to Test campaign. This year, they are partnering again with TAP SCORE to offer one free “essential” water test for a randomly-selected well user who pledges to test through our campaign. Additionally, everyone who pledges to test their well water this year will receive 10% off any well water test kit from TAP SCORE using the code PLEDGE2026.
PLEDGE to TEST
https://privatewellclass.org/pledge/
Tips for practicing Groundwater Awareness Week in your home, courtesy of WellOwner.org
- Why is a checkup important? A properly constructed and maintained household-supply well will provide you with many years of quality service. Routine inspection of a water well system can help ensure it is operating properly, prolong its useful life, and protect your investment. Most importantly, inspections can protect your health by discovering issues that could result in water quality problems presenting a health risk.
- Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a “clean” zone of at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) between your well and any kennels or livestock operations. Also, always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage areas. Your professional water well contractor is familiar with the applicable local codes.
- Get your water tested anytime there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime the system is serviced.
bullhorn Ten ways to protect and conserve groundwater
1. Go native
Use native plants in your landscape. They look great, and don’t need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region’s climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.
2. Reduce chemical use
Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly — don't dump them on the ground!
3. Manage waste
Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites — contact your local health department to find one near you.
4. Don’t let it run
Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or while shaving, and don’t let it run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead.
5. Fix the drip
Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water conserving models.
6. Wash smarter
Limit yourself to just a five-minute shower, and challenge your family members to do the same! Also, make sure to only run full loads in the dish and clothes washers.
7. Water wisely
Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.
8. Reduce, reuse, and recycle
Reduce the amount of “stuff” you use and reuse what you can. Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum and other materials.
9. Natural alternatives
Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products, are inexpensive, and environmentally-friendly.
10. Learn and do more!
Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.
