Groundwater Pollution Essay

Groundwater Pollution

Groundwater is vital for life and although 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water only 2.5% of all the water is freshwater. Earth’s freshwater is located 1.2% on the surface and other freshwater bodies, 30.1% is groundwater, and 68.7% is in glacier and ice caps. Of the earth’s total water supply only 1% is freshwater that is accessible and is trapped in snow field and glaciers, In short, only 0.007% of the planet 's water is available to fuel and feed its 6.8 billion people. Further expanding the point of how important it is to protect this vital resource. Groundwater is defined as rain water or water from surface water bodies, like lakes or streams, that soaks into the soil and bedrock and is stored underground in the tiny spaces between rocks and particles of soil. Groundwater pollution occurs when hazardous substances come into contact and dissolve in the water that has soaked into the soil. The

Wells used for domestic wastewater disposal (septic systems, cesspools, drainage wells for storm water runoff) are of concern to groundwater quality if they are located close to drinking water wells. Improperly storing or disposing of household chemicals (paints, detergents, solvents, oils, medicines, disinfectants, pool chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and batteries) can lead to groundwater contamination. Also, when stored in garages or basements with floor drains, spills or flooding can introduce these contaminants into the groundwater. When these contaminates are thrown into the household trash, these dangerous products will eventually end up in the landfill. Ultimately, these item will contaminate the groundwater because the landfills are not equipped to handle hazardous materials. Also, wastes dumped or buried in the ground will eventually contaminate the soil and seep into the