National Ground Water Association provides insights to White House on America’s groundwater challenges
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recently submitted input to the White House, highlighting critical challenges and opportunities facing America’s groundwater.
The response followed the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) announcing in April it was launching a working group on groundwater.
The document was authored by Bill Alley, Ph.D., NGWA’s director of science and technology, Chuck Job, NGWA’s manager of regulatory affairs, and Tim Parker, PG, CEG, CHG, NGWA board director and Government Affairs Committee member.
NGWA emphasized several key areas to enhance groundwater sustainability, quality and resilience:
- Increased investment in the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Climate Response Network. These efforts are crucial for collecting comprehensive data on groundwater levels, quality and usage across the country.
- Growing importance of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as a sustainable practice. This includes the use of stormwater, treated wastewater and other sources to replenish aquifers. Implementing best practices in MAR can significantly enhance groundwater storage and availability.
- Recognizing the interdependence of groundwater and surface water, NGWA recommends laws and incentives that encourage the conjunctive use of these resources. This approach can help manage water supplies more effectively, especially during droughts.
- Impacts of emerging and legacy contaminants, such as PFAS and arsenic, which threaten groundwater quality. This includes supporting remediation efforts and ensuring that water quality monitoring is a key component of groundwater management.
NGWA also calls for the development of comprehensive groundwater sustainability plans. These plans could establish water budgets, set sustainability criteria and include projects aimed at increasing supply and managing demand.
