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Groundwater is accumulated water under the earth’s
surface. Sometimes groundwater is close to the surface;
sometimes it is very deep. Groundwater can surface—or discharge—through
natural means, such as in a spring, or with human help, such
as in a pumped well.
Groundwater is replenished—or recharged—through
surface water seeping from streams or lakes into the ground
or through precipitation percolating into the ground. For
the groundwater table to stay at the same level, the amount
of recharge must equal the amount of discharge.
Urbanization poses a threat to our groundwater supply in
several ways. Urban development increases the amount of
impervious (nonporous) surface in a watershed. Impervious surface
inhibits groundwater recharge because precipitation cannot penetrate
the surface. As a result, groundwater is depleted.
Urbanization also increases the amount of pollution in our
environment. If soil is contaminated or surface runoff is polluted,
the quality of the groundwater will be affected. Polluted groundwater
and/or a diminished supply of groundwater are of particular
concern where groundwater is the major source for drinking and
irrigation water.
- Don’t pour toxic or hazardous waste down the
drain, into a toilet, on the ground, or into storm drains.
- Properly dispose of litter and pet waste.
- Don’t dump anything into a sinkhole.
- Don’t use or store fertilizers, pesticides, gasoline
or any toxic materials near a well.
- Pump out septic tanks regularly.
- Use porous material such as flagstone, gravel, stone, or
interlocking pavers rather than asphalt or concrete.
- Conserve water in your home and landscape.
Further information about groundwater protection is available
from the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality, while groundwater location
information is available from the U.
S. Geological Survey. For concerns about possible groundwater
contamination, please call the Fairfax County Health Department
at 703-246-2201.
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