Date September 8, 2015                             

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925 

ECDOH Recognizes Importance of Groundwater

September 8^th is “Protect Your Groundwater Day”

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Department of Health joins the National Groundwater Association (“NGWA”) in encouraging the residents to be aware of the importance to public and environmental health to protect groundwater.  

In New York State, 12.3% of the total fresh water supply comes from groundwater.  In addition, 20.2% of all public water supplied to New York residents originates from groundwater, servicing nearly four-million people.

Erie County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein said, “Protecting our groundwater is vital to the health of our residents and our environment.  Everyone can and should do something to protect groundwater. We all have a stake in maintaining its quality and quantity.”

Why protecting groundwater matters:

•99% of all available freshwater comes from aquifers underground. Being a good steward of groundwater just makes sense.

•Most surface water bodies are connected to groundwater so how you impact groundwater matters.

•Many public water systems draw all or part of their supply from groundwater, so protecting the resource protects the public water supply and impacts treatment costs.

•If you own a well to provide water for your family, farm, or business, groundwater protection is doubly important. As a well owner, you are the manager of your own water system. Protecting groundwater will help reduce risks to your water supply

Burstein added, “There are two fundamental categories of groundwater protection, The first is keeping it safe from contamination. The second is using it wisely by not wasting it. Everyone has a role to play, from storing and disposing of hazardous household substances (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs) properly; installing water-saving devices in your home and to keep possible contamination sources safe distances from wells.”

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