Education
What is Groundwater?
When rain falls to the ground, the water does not stop moving. Some of it flows along the surface to streams or lakes, some of it is used by plants, some evaporates and returns to the atmosphere, and some sinks into the ground. Groundwater is water that is found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock.
Groundwater is stored in – and moves slowly through – layers of soil, sand, and rocks called aquifers. Aquifers typically consist of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone. These materials are permeable because they have large connected spaces that allow water to flow through. The speed at which groundwater flows depends on the size of the spaces in the soil or rock and how well the spaces are connected.
Groundwater is simply the subsurface water that fully saturates pores or cracks in soils and rocks. Aquifers are replenished by the seepage of precipitation that falls on the land, although they can be artificially replenished by people as well. There are many geologic, meteorologic, topographic, and human factors that determine the extent and rate to which aquifers are refilled with water.
Aquifer levels vary from season to season due differences in amounts of precipitation. Groundwater levels are lowered when water is removed faster than the recharge zone can replenish.
Aquifer levels vary from season to season due differences in amounts of precipitation.
Groundwater levels are lowered when water is removed faster than the recharge zone can replenish.
Just How Much is it Costing YOU to keep your yard GREEN?
During dry conditions, a typical lawn requires an inch of water per week. That equates to 0.623 gallons per square foot - a little over half a gallon. (source: Today's Homeowner, Danny Lipford) To calculate your lawn water usage, multiply the square footage of your yard (length X width) by 0.623 - that's how many gallons you use every time you water!
Example: a yard 100' x 100' multiplied by 0.623 = 6,230 gallons!!!!!
Xeriscape Landscaping is an excellent way to conserve water. By planting vegetation that maximizes water efficiency - you can reduce your water consumption and beautify your property at the same time! Xeriscape yards are drought resistant plants that are easy to maintain - saving you time and money!!
Click on the image to the left to view a PDF about the benefits of Xeriscape Landscaping!
Want to learn more about water conservation? Check out our YouTube channel!
Water Conservation for KIDS!!
Fun links and activities to educate our children to conserve WATER!
Conservation Resources
Brush Control
Proper brush control methods can be an effective tool for water conservation. By removing unwanted brush and controlling regrowth over recharge areas - we can increase our groundwater supply.
To learn more about brush control and management practices, read the articles below.
Rainwater Harvesting
Collecting rainwater and storing it for future use is an excellent way to minimize your water consumption. This stored water can be used to water outside plants!
Water Conservation
To determine what your water consumption rates are take the quick quiz on the worksheet below. Then think of ways in which you can reduce your impact on groundwater.