In recognition of the importance of groundwater to the citizens of the state and in conjunction with the National Groundwater Association’s “Groundwater Awareness Week”, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Water Quality Division (WQD) has designated Friday, March 13th, as “Know Your Well Day.”
More than 72% of Wyoming’s population relies on groundwater for part or all of their drinking water supply. There are more than 90,000 private wells in Wyoming. No state or federal agency regulates water quality in private wells; therefore, it is important for private well owners to regularly inspect, maintain and sample their wells, and to be aware of potential threats to groundwater nearby and on their property.
“Water quality varies considerably across the state and it can have naturally occurring constituents such as sulfates, sodium, total dissolved solids or iron,” said Lily Barkau, DEQ Groundwater Program Manager. “We strongly urge all private well owners to test their wells regularly.”
In addition, Barkau noted that groundwater quality can also be impacted by waste disposal practices, land use practices, spills or leaks.
The public can find more information regarding drinking water wells, common contaminants, water well testing, and other resources pertaining to groundwater, by visiting DEQ’s “Know Your Well” website at www.knowyourwell.org.