Groundwater is one of our most valuable natural resources. Found beneath the earth’s surface in the cracks and spaces of soil, sand, and rock, groundwater is stored in geologic formations called aquifers. In the Coachella Valley, groundwater is a vital source of drinking water, supporting our homes, businesses, farms, and natural environment.

Protect Your Groundwater Day, observed each year on September 3, is a reminder that the health of our water supply depends on the choices we make every day. By using water wisely and preventing pollution, we can help ensure safe and reliable groundwater for generations to come.

Here are ten simple but powerful ways you can do your part:

  1. Go Native. Plant desert-friendly, drought-tolerant plants that thrive with less water and protect soil health.
  2. Reduce Chemical Use. Use fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides sparingly—or switch to natural alternatives—to prevent harmful substances from seeping into groundwater.
  3. Manage Waste. Dispose of paints, oils, medications, and household chemicals properly through approved recycling or disposal programs. Never pour them on the ground or down the drain.
  4. Don’t Let It Run. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. Every drop you save protects the water beneath our feet.
  5. Fix the Drip. A leaky faucet or running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a year. Quick repairs conserve water and save money.
  6. Wash Smarter. Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, and consider water-efficient appliances that use less water and energy.
  7. Water Wisely. Water landscapes during cooler morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation, and adjust sprinklers so water lands only where it’s needed.
  8. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Conserving resources reduces the energy and water needed to produce new products, helping protect groundwater from pollution.
  9. Choose Natural Alternatives. Compost yard waste and food scraps, and use environmentally friendly cleaning products that are safer for people and water.
  10. Learn and Do More. Stay informed about local water issues, participate in conservation programs, and share what you learn with friends and neighbors.

Every action—big or small—makes a difference. Protecting groundwater starts with each of us.

Source: www.groundwater.org