News Release 119

MISSOURI CELEBRATES GROUNDWATER WEEK MARCH 9-15

Volume 36-119	Contact: Renee Bungart
(For immediate release)	573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 13, 2008 -- In Missouri, approximately 94 percent of public water supplies depends on groundwater for their drinking water. An estimated 2.2 million Missourians are drinking and relying on this valuable and renewable resource every day.

This week, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources joined its partners in celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week. Groundwater is found below the Earth's surface at depths where all the open spaces in the soil, sediment or rock are completely filled with water. Groundwater in Missouri is generally of very high quality and, for the most part, free of contamination.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages citizen to become aware of the importance of groundwater and to help protect it. "If you live south of the Missouri River, chances are your drinking water comes from groundwater," said the department's Division of Environmental Quality Director, Daniel R. Schuette. "Caring for this valuable resource is imperative to ensure public health and economic viability is protected."

Missourians can help protect groundwater supplies by following these simple tips:

Never dump toxic or hazardous fluids into the ground or down a toilet. These substances can ultimately contaminate groundwater.
When using fertilizers and pesticides, follow the directions and use only the amount recommended on the product label.
Recycle used oil.
Use soaps and household cleansers that are nontoxic and biodegradable.
Properly locate and construct wells.

The department encourages anyone installing a drinking water well to hire only reputable, licensed well drillers. The department provides guidance on the proper construction and location of wells and can provide a list of well drillers certified to drill in Missouri. Improperly constructed wells can create a direct conduit between the surface and the underground water supply that may result in contaminated groundwater.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or
573-751-5331.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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