One of the two sources of our drinking water is groundwater. Protecting groundwater that serves municipal water systems is one way to prevent contamination of our drinking water and to protect public health. Increasing public awareness and encouraging public action in protecting groundwater was the intent behind the formation of the nonprofit organization, the Groundwater Foundation.

The Groundwater Foundation, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, was formed in 1985 to inform the public about one of our greatest hidden resources, groundwater. It conducts a range of activities for people of all ages.

For example, the Foundation hosts an annual Children's Groundwater Festival - a state-wide one-day event serving over 3,000 students in grades 4, 5, and 6. Activities and exhibits at the festival are designed to teach children about groundwater while they have fun. Through games and activities children learn about such things as non-point source pollution and how properly constructed landfills protect groundwater. The Festival has become an international model with the concept being adapted and replicated throughout the world. Currently, there are festivals being held or planned in nearly 40 U.S. states.

The Foundation also sponsors a Groundwater University for kids from grades 7-12. Each student shadows a mentor several times during the summer, following the mentor at work and learning what the mentor does and how it affects groundwater. The students also work on a specific project with help from their mentors and present the project at a graduation ceremony at the end of the summer

The Foundation's Groundwater Guardian program encourages communities to begin groundwater awareness and protection activities, supports the community in their efforts and recognizes their achievements. This program began in 1994 and there are approximately 135 communities designated as Groundwater Guardians. Each community begins the process by forming a Groundwater Guardian team consisting of citizens, business and agricultural representative, educators and government officials. These teams then develop Result Oriented Activities (ROAs) such as education and awareness, pollution prevention, public policy, conservation and management practices to address the community's groundwater protection concerns. The Groundwater Foundation provides information and materials to the communities as they implement their ROAs. In September, communities submit an annual report detailing their progress and if they meet certain criteria, they are designated as a Groundwater Guardian Community for that year. At the end of the year, the Foundation hosts a Groundwater Guardian national conference.

For further information contact:
Susan Seacrest (founder)
Groundwater Foundation
Phone : 800-858-4844 or 402-434-2740
Fax: 402-434-2742
E-mail Address: info@groundwater.org