Strategies To Combat Groundwater Pollution

Groundwater pollution is a serious issue that can be expensive to clean up. It is therefore important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of contamination. This can be done through a variety of methods, including the proper disposal of toxic substances, the reduction of chemical use, and the use of native plants in your landscape. Businesses should also regularly inspect high-risk areas to catch potential leaks or accidents before they happen.

Reduce chemical use

Reducing chemical use is an important way to reduce groundwater pollution. One of the main ways that chemicals enter groundwater is through the use of pesticides and fertilisers. When these chemicals are applied to fields, they can be washed into the groundwater by rain or irrigation water. This can contaminate the water and make it unsafe to drink.

One way to reduce chemical use is to choose organic farming methods. Organic farmers use natural methods to control pests and diseases, such as crop rotation and the use of beneficial insects. They also use natural fertilisers, such as compost and manure, which can help to build healthy soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.

Another way to reduce chemical use is to practice integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is a holistic approach to pest management that focuses on preventing pest problems before they occur. This can include methods such as monitoring pest populations, using physical barriers to prevent pest access, and using biological control agents such as predators or parasites to control pest populations. By using IPM, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides and minimise the impact of these chemicals on groundwater.

In addition to agricultural practices, reducing chemical use in other areas can also help to protect groundwater. For example, choosing natural cleaning products over chemical ones can reduce the amount of chemicals that enter the water supply. Using less toxic chemicals in industrial processes can also help to reduce groundwater pollution.

Finally, proper storage and disposal of chemicals are crucial to preventing groundwater contamination. Storing chemicals in a safe and secure location can help to prevent spills and leaks that can contaminate groundwater. Proper disposal of chemicals, such as through hazardous waste programs, can also help to keep them out of the water supply. By reducing chemical use and taking steps to prevent contamination, we can help to protect groundwater resources for future generations.

Manage waste

Managing waste is a key aspect of reducing groundwater pollution. There are several ways to do this effectively. Firstly, it is important to minimise the amount of waste produced and to recycle or reuse materials where possible. This is particularly relevant for farms, where hazardous materials such as lubricating oils and solvents are often used. It is worth taking the time to review whether all of these products are necessary and to ensure that they are being used, recycled, and disposed of safely and in line with state and federal rules. For example, waste oil can be burned in a furnace designed to use oil as fuel, but the resulting ash or sludge must be disposed of in a licensed landfill.

Another way to manage waste is to ensure that dumpsters are kept closed to prevent rainwater from washing materials out of them. They should also be placed on a hard surface, preferably concrete, to reduce the risk of polluting drinking water. Similarly, chemical storage and loading areas should not have floor drains, or they should be protected with drain covers or plugs to prevent spills from entering them. It is also important to keep hazardous products away from wells, with a recommended distance of 300 feet or more.

In addition to these measures, it is crucial to have an emergency response and spill plan in place for businesses. Regular inspections of high-risk areas can help to catch potential leaks or accidents before they happen. This includes moving traffic areas, chemical or gasoline storage, and pesticide mixing tanks away from wells to reduce the risk of contamination. Upgrading or better managing septic systems can also help to prevent backflow or backsiphoning, which can allow chemicals to flow back into the well and contaminate groundwater.

Overall, managing waste effectively is a critical component of reducing groundwater pollution. By minimising waste, recycling, and safely disposing of hazardous materials, we can significantly reduce the potential for pollution. Implementing best practices for waste storage and handling, as well as having emergency response plans in place, can further reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.

Go native

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metal present in the earth’s crust. In its organic form, it’s poisonous and quite lethal in nature. It gets dissolved in groundwater due to the anaerobic conditions produced by organic matter present inside the aquifers. Due to the microbial decomposition of the organic matter, the oxides of iron are released into the groundwater aquifers. These iron oxides then react with the arsenic and produce arsenic compounds – arsenite and arsenate, the former being more toxic than the latter.

To reduce groundwater pollution, it is important to consider the location of your well. A well downhill from a livestock yard, a leaking tank or a septic system runs a greater risk of contamination than a well on the uphill side of these pollution sources. Surface slope does not always indicate the direction a pollutant might flow once it gets into the ground.

You can also take steps to improve your drinking water well conditions. For example, place short-term manure stacks on clay soil or a concrete slab to reduce the chance of polluting your drinking water. Protect them from the rain and move traffic areas and chemical or gasoline storage areas away from the well.

Water reuse is another method of reducing groundwater pollution. The Sioux tribe, for example, utilises water reuse to preserve their local groundwater supply. The SMSC Department of Land and Natural Resources is responsible for protecting the surface water and groundwater on the reservation. Activities to preserve and conserve surface waters include research, monitoring, and improving water features to provide a rich wildlife habitat and contribute to the community’s wellbeing for generations to come.

Inspect high-risk areas

Inspecting high-risk areas is a crucial step in reducing groundwater pollution. High-risk areas are those where the potential for contamination is greater due to the proximity of pollution sources. For example, a well located downhill from a livestock yard, a leaking tank, or a septic system is more susceptible to contamination than one situated uphill. Therefore, careful planning and consideration of factors such as surface drainage and groundwater flow are essential when locating a well.

To reduce the risk of groundwater pollution, it is important to identify and regularly inspect areas with a high potential for contamination. This includes monitoring landfills, waste disposal sites, service stations, refineries, and other industrial facilities. By implementing regular inspections, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they lead to groundwater pollution.

One specific area of concern is the proper management of manure stacks, which can pose a risk of well contamination by bacteria or nitrates. Placing manure stacks on clay soil or concrete slabs can reduce the chance of polluting drinking water sources. Additionally, protecting them from rain and ensuring proper drainage can further minimise the risk of groundwater pollution.

Another high-risk area to focus on is the management of chemical and gasoline storage. Moving these storage areas away from wells and implementing proper spill and leak containment procedures are crucial. The use of anti-backflow devices when filling pesticide sprayer tanks can prevent chemical mixtures from flowing back into wells and contaminating groundwater.

By prioritising the inspection and management of these high-risk areas, we can significantly reduce the potential for groundwater pollution and protect this valuable resource.

Control the source of contamination

One of the most important things to consider when trying to reduce groundwater pollution is the location of the well. A well downhill from a livestock yard, a leaking tank or a septic system is at a greater risk of contamination than a well on the uphill side of these pollution sources.

It is also important to consider the surface drainage and groundwater flow in the area. The surface slope does not always indicate the direction a pollutant might flow once it gets into the ground.

To reduce the risk of well contamination by bacteria or nitrates, place manure stacks on clay soil or a concrete slab. Protect them from the rain and keep them away from the well.

Other management changes to consider include moving traffic areas and chemical or gasoline storage areas away from the well and upgrading or better managing your septic system. Backflow or backsiphoning from pesticide mixing tanks allows chemicals to flow back into the well through the hose. Use an anti-backflow device when filling pesticide sprayer tanks to prevent the chemical mixture from flowing back into the well and contaminating groundwater.

The Water Boards implement several programs that regulate the discharge of pollutants to the ground and clean up pollution within the ground. These programs aim to prevent the release of hazardous substances from a variety of facilities, such as landfills, waste disposal sites, service stations, refineries, and other industrial facilities.

Frequently asked questions