How Would You Rate Your Groundwater Awareness?

By OCWD Recharge Planning Manager Adam Hutchinson (Vice President of GRAC)

You hear a lot about “self” awareness, “social” awareness and many other types of awareness. But how about “groundwater” awareness? Like self and social elements, groundwater is largely invisible to the naked eye. Given that you are reading this article, you probably have a greater awareness of groundwater than most.

To promote greater groundwater awareness, the National Groundwater Association started National Groundwater Awareness Week (#GWAW) 20 years ago to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. This year it is taking place on March 10-16. This year’s theme, Think, was designed to urge each of us to consider various ways we can protect our most valuable natural resource. So Think about not running the water while you brush your teeth. Or Think about getting that leaking faucet fixed. Think about the farmers that rely on groundwater to grow the food we eat. And Think about having your well inspected to protect your drinking water system. In short, during #GWAW, Think about our future.

At the state level, the Groundwater Resources Association of California has been promoting a greater awareness of groundwater for more than 25 years. The Groundwater Resources Association (GRA) is dedicated to resource management that protects and improves groundwater supply and quality through education and technical leadership. GRA’s vision is Sustainable Groundwater for All.

GRA has over 1,000 members that include hydrogeologists, engineers, regulators and water resource professionals. The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is a great supporter of GRA and OCWD staff has and does serve on its board. It is a volunteer organization that has eight branches in different parts of the state. Branch meetings are held regularly and usually feature a speaker and provide not only educational opportunities, but networking opportunities as well. Southern California has three branches, one in San Diego, one that meets in the Inland Empire and the Southern California Branch that meets in Orange County and periodically in Los Angeles County. If you would like to know about these meetings, join GRA’s mailing list.

GRA also provides webinars on a wide array of topics and hosts in-person events, including the annual Western Groundwater Congress (WGC). The WGC is the premier groundwater event for California and neighboring western states. Almost all facets of groundwater are covered. So, if you would like to greatly increase your groundwater awareness, be sure to attend the WGC, which will be held in Sacramento on September 17-19, 2019.

As you move forward in life, it is good to become more self and socially aware. It is also great to become more aware of groundwater, which impacts our quality of life and longevity. Groundwater awareness week is in March, but it’s always the right time to take advantage of the opportunities to learn more and share your knowledge and newfound passion with others.