TOSC ENVIRONMENTAL BRIEFS FOR CITIZENS

Understanding Groundwater

Groundwater is essential to human life and human activities, but susceptible to damage through pollution and overuse. Because it is "hidden from view," its damage may go undetected until it affects human health or the environment. Cleanup of groundwater can be costly and protracted. The best way to guarantee continued supplies of clean ground water is to prevent contamination. Federal and state groundwater programs protect public water supplies from contaminants that could be harmful to human health. Other programs direct the cleanup of contaminated sites that may be polluting the groundwater. For more information about protection of groundwater, in Michigan contact Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

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What is Groundwater and why is it important?
How does Groundwater move?
How does groundwater become contaminated?

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