Join The Groundwater Foundation Today

Groundwater Foundation members come from diverse backgrounds and locations. From a water utility manager in New Hampshire to a rice grower in California, Groundwater Foundation programs offer useful information, and the opportunity to make a difference for everyone.

The quality of our drinking water is vital to the health of our nation and our world. Joining The Groundwater Foundation is taking a step toward protection, conservation and management of our groundwater. Membership forms are available below, or contact The Groundwater Foundation toll free at 1-800-858-4844 or 402-434-2740.

Become a member today.

 

Groundwater FAQ

Can the quality of groundwater affect my health and the health of my family?
Absolutely! Maintaining groundwater quality is key to maintaining our health and the health of the environment. The Groundwater Foundation helps protect you and your family's health by educating individuals about the practices that keep contaminants out of drinking water, and by helping people take action to protect groundwater locally.

Why is protecting groundwater so important?
Groundwater is hidden from view and as a result most of us simply take it for granted. But when we turn on a faucet, half of us get groundwater. Clearly, we want to consume water that is safe and healthy for us and for our families.

"It is because of people that we protect groundwater,
but it is only through people that we can do so!"
-Susan Seacrest, Founder of The Groundwater Foundation

What is groundwater?
Groundwater begins as precipitation that soaks through the soil and down into porous rocks and soils. Water bearing formations under the ground that can store and yield water are called aquifers. Wells pump groundwater to the surface where it is used by millions of people around the world.

Is there a problem with groundwater?
Unfortunately, groundwater contamination can happen. Carelessly discarded motor oil, pesticides, industrial solvents, commonly used lawn and home chemicals can move downward through the soil, causing contamination. Cleanup may not be possible, and if it is, groundwater restoration almost always carries a huge price tag. It’s much safer and easier to protect groundwater in the first place.

What can I do?
We all need to be careful groundwater stewards. Learning all we can and getting involved locally is a good place to begin.

How does The Groundwater Foundation help?
Groundwater Foundation programs are designed to help people understand the importance of groundwater. The Groundwater Foundation also offers programs and ideas for citizens everywhere to make a difference in keeping groundwater safe and plentiful!

How do I become a member?
Complete the appropriate membership application form from the list below and return with membership dues. It's as easy as that!

What are my payment options?
The Groundwater Foundation offers several membership payment options. We accept only US currency.

Benefits of Membership

And remember, Foundation memberships make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events.

Programs Supported By Members

Your membership dollars provide support to one or more current Groundwater Foundation programs. Our many programs are designed to educate and motivate the public to care for and about groundwater. Some of the Foundation's flagship programs include the following:

Groundwater Guardian
Groundwater Guardian supports, recognizes, and connects communities taking action to protect groundwater. Communities enter the program by establishing local Groundwater Guardian teams. These teams implement groundwater protection activities, document progress and earn Groundwater Guardian designation on an annual basis. If you are interested in entering the Groundwater Guardian program, please call 1-800-858-4844.

"Groundwater Guardian has brought business, government, education, and citizens together to work on a common issue,
a common goal, and common solutions."
-Sharon, Groundwater Guardian from Fountain Valley, CA

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP)
This initiative provides a workshop guide, publications, consultation, and electronic media support to help people understand why and how they need to protect local sources of drinking water.

The Groundwater Foundation Fall Conference
The Annual Fall Conference brings together a diverse audience, including representatives from Groundwater Guardian Communities, to examine a particular groundwater issue in-depth. Recent topics have included microbial contamination of groundwater and evaluating the impact of groundwater education programs.

Children’s Groundwater Festival
Founded by The Groundwater Foundation and held annually in Grand Island, Nebraska for 4th and 5th graders, the Festival has become an international model of hands-on environmental education for elementary students. The Festival concept has been adapted and replicated throughout the world.

The Festival influenced our way of thinking about water - helping us understand the importance of conservation and preservation." -Theresa, 4th grade teacher from Cozad, NE

H2O on the Go
Bringing groundwater education to children through educator training workshops and direct presentations to youth in Nebraska and surrounding areas, H2O on the Go is a highly popular program.

Awesome Aquifers (AA) for Science Olympiad
A new event to compete in at national Science Olympiad tournaments, Awesome Aquifers challenges students groundwater knowledge and creative thinking skills.

Learn More
Learn more about these programs, as well as past and future Groundwater Foundation projects in the Programs/Events section.

glass of water

 

1.5 billion people worldwide depend on groundwater for drinking water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each of us is touched every day by groundwater, a vital source of the world's supply of fresh water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of all the Earth's water that is useable by humans, 98% is contained in aquifers as groundwater.