Where is all the groundwater?

People used to think that if their well ran dry, they could dig or drill a little deeper to resolve the problem. However, we are realizing that digging deeper may not be possible as the US is using groundwater faster than it can be replenished naturally. Read the full story. Then read on to find out what you can do to help conserve groundwater!

Water conservation…yes even this time of year!

Owning a well has many benefits, one of which is no water bill. But with no water bill to remind us how much water we are using, it may surprise you that the average person uses between 80-100 gallons of water per day! The largest use of household water is to flush the toilet, followed by showers and baths. During the summer months water use is increased. The average swimming pool needs 18,000-20,000 gallons to fill, the common garden hose uses 5-20 gallons per minute. With irrigation systems, power washing, car washing, etc., it is no wonder that so many wells run low during this time.

As well owners it is a good idea to conserve, not just in the summer but winter too. The following are some tips to help:

Indoors

• Fix leaks right away! 
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load. Check settings on your machines and make sure to set to the correct load size!
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so you’re not waiting for the tap water to get cold.
• Plug the sink or turn the water off while washing dishes, shampooing, brushing teeth, and shaving. 
• Have a dehumidifier? Use the water for house plants.
• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances. Find a list of products.

Outside

If your headed for cold months, see our Winterizing article below. Burst pipes can waste water too! If you’re in a warmer climate most of the year read on…

• Use a water delivery service/hauler to fill your pool. 
• Water your lawn when air temperatures are lower to avoid evaporation. Temperatures are usually at their lowest during the late evening or early morning. Most lawns benefit from watering two to three times per week for 20-30 minutes.
• Collect rainwater to use for watering plants and use only native plants for your area.
• Use soil that absorbs water to keep plants moist longer.
• Sweep outside areas instead of hosing them down.
• Fill buckets to wash and rinse the car instead of running the hose.

There are more ways to conserve water, find out here.

If your water looks dirty, cloudy, or it has sediment in it and it does not return to normal after allowing the well to sit unused for a while, the well may be running dry. Contact a licensed well contractor for an inspection. To find one in your area use our interactive map.

⇒	Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and post your water conservation tips with the hashtag #savewater. A few will be selected at random to receive a FREE  do-it-yourself bacteria test kit and your tips will be posted in an upcoming newsletter.