Americans keep moving to where the water isn’t. People are still flocking to Sunbelt regions where the housing is cheaper and plentiful — but climate change and extreme weather are worsening.
Even with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act — which, name aside, is the most ambitious piece of climate-related legislation ever passed by Congress — the US is locked into decades of rising temperatures and more extreme weather. Just how warm it will get will depend on how quickly we can reduce carbon emissions and how sensitive the climate proves to be, but average global temperature increases of between 2 and 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial norms seem most likely, with some regions experiencing much worse extremes.
Nonetheless, Americans are responding to these forecasts by moving in large numbers to some of the hottest, driest, and most vulnerable parts of the country.
According to an analysis published earlier this month by the Economic Innovation Group, 10 of the 15 counties last year were in the water-strained Southwest. Since 2012, an additional 2.8 million people have moved to counties that spent the majority of the past decade under “severe” to “exceptional” drought conditions.
Leading the way in growth was Maricopa County in Arizona, home to Phoenix, a desert metropolis that receives more sunshine than any other major city on Earth — and averages more than 110 days with highs of at least 100°F. Average temperatures in Phoenix are already 2.5°F hotter than they were in the middle of the last century, which helps explain why there were 338 heat-associated deaths last year in Maricopa County.
Despite that — and despite worse to come — the population in Maricopa increased by 14 percent over the last decade, to nearly 4.5 million people. A similar pattern is at work in states like Florida and South Carolina that experience high storm and flood risk, or in states like Colorado and Idaho that face major wildfire risk. Altogether, according to an analysis from the real-estate site Redfin, the 50 US counties with the largest share of homes facing high climate and extreme weather risk all experienced positive net migration on average between 2016 and 2020.
On the flip side, the 50 US counties with the biggest share of homes facing the lowest climate and extreme weather risk, like Onondaga County in upstate New York, largely experienced net negative migration during the same years on average.
This bears repeating: Faced with growing costs from extreme weather disasters and the certain reality of a warmer and more disrupted future, Americans have been responding by not only moving toward riskier areas, but also moving away from safer ones. Americans keep moving to where the water isn’t.
Americans move for climate, not climate change
What should we take away from this?
One, while Americans do care about climate change, when it comes to the major decisions they make, it tends to rank far down on national priorities.
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Gallup regularly polls Americans about what they consider to be the most important problem facing the country. In July, 3 percent of Americans polled said that “environment/pollution/climate change” was the most important problem, behind inflation, the government, abortion, immigration, racism, crime, and high oil/fuel prices, among other concerns. And while the most important issues tend to fluctuate based on what’s happening in the news, climate change has consistently ranked fairly low.
In other words, there’s a reason the Inflation Reduction Act was called the Inflation Reduction Act.
Two, given that economic concerns tend to rank so highly among Americans, it shouldn’t be surprising that cost of living is a much bigger driver of where people want to live than fear of climate change or disasters. Places like the Southwest and Texas aren’t just hot, dry, and vulnerable to climate change — they also tend to be much cheaper to live in than coastal cities in blue states. Which is why more Americans are moving to
According to Redfin’s data, of the 50 counties that had the largest share of homes facing high heat and storm risk, more than 50 percent had a median home sale price that was less than half the national average at the time. Williamson County in Texas, which includes parts of fast-growing Austin, has the highest heat risk in the US, yet it’s also the county that has seen the biggest population increase since 2016.
It’s not true that if you’re looking for a cheap place to live, your only choices are deserts and floodplains. Can I interest you in Syracuse, New York, or Cleveland, Ohio — two cities considered to be climate havens where housing is relativelycheap?
Probably not. Population in either city has dropped significantly from its earlier peak, which is also true for other northern climate havens like Buffalo. (Although Buffalo just recorded its first population increase since World War II — Josh Allen fever, maybe?)
What the fast-growing cities of the Southwest have going for them is just that: growth. That means more jobs and a better chance at economic mobility, all while paying much less for housing than in high-wage cities on the coast. For many Americans, that’s worth the trade-off of worsening heat waves and other extreme weather.
One last thing: Americans apparently just prefer it hot. A 2009 survey from Pew Research found that 57 percent of Americans preferred to live in a warmer climate, compared to 29 percent who preferred a colder one. And the rise of remote work is only likely to give more people the ability to pick where they want to live.
More housing or more climate migrants
I doubt we’re going to slake Americans’ apparent thirst for as much sunshine as possible. (Though, honestly, as someone who prefers it at least chilly, you can keep your Phoenix weather.) But unless we want a future where ever more people are in the path of ever greater climate change and weather disruptions, we’ll need to make it less expensive to live in places that aren’t subject to heat waves or droughts or wildfires.
California is one example. The state’s horrific wildfires have been producing climate migrants in recent years, in part because the fires can consume whole towns, and in part because there’s no real way to adapt to the constant threat of smoke and destruction.
Yet people keep moving to wildfire-prone areas of the state — and often staying even after a fire destroys their home — in part because the perennially restricted housing supply in the state makes it virtually impossible to live anywhere else. A report last year found that between 1990 and 2010, half of all new homes constructed in California were built in the wildland-urban interface, the zone most vulnerable to wildfire risk, in part because anti-development regulations elsewhere simply make it easier and cheaper to build there.
Fighting climate change first and foremost means reducing carbon emissions, but it will also require decades of adaptation — and that includes housing policies that can steer people away from those parts of the country that are already at risk by making it cheaper to live in safe areas.
This doesn’t mean that Americans can’t or shouldn’t ever move to hot, dry places in the country. In their own way, desert metropolises only exist because of technological adaptations to their extreme climates — population growth only truly took off in the Sunbelt after the advent of air conditioning in the second half of the 20th century. But continuing that growth in a hotter and drier 21st century will require much more than just massive AC units.
Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas have taken major steps to get more use out of less water, banking aquifers, reducing waste, and recycling wastewater. In Phoenix, total water use is actually less than it was in the early 2000s, even as its population has continued to grow, and the average resident used 29 percent less water in 2019 than in 1990. Southern Nevada as well has reduced overall water use even while adding hundreds of thousands of people.
It won’t be easy, though, and the more extreme climate conditions become, the more difficult it is to adapt. Lake Powell and Lake Mead — the two biggest artificial reservoirs in the US, which help supply water to 40 million people — are now at just around 27 percent of capacity. Poorer residents are less able to afford the air conditioning that can make desert heat bearable, while agriculture — which accounts for the vast majority of water consumption in the American West — will keep draining dwindling supplies.
If we’re truly going to adapt to extreme weather, we’ll need to make climate havens cheaper and more attractive. And if you’re in the market for a move, give Buffalo a thought! It has new apartments, new jobs, even new people, along with something that will become increasingly rare in the future: snow.
A version of this story was initially published in the Future Perfect newsletter.
Extreme drought conditions these past few years have been causing concern over water resources and our local infrastructures. It is critical that we all do our part to conserve water when and where we can! For water conservation tips click this link to view a fantastic guide! http://pumprollc.com/water-conservation-basics/
Meant to provide technical guidance to regulators and groundwater users, the guidance memorandum, published in January, permitted authorities to apply the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the County of Maui V. Hawaii Wildlife Fund case as it pertains to the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program.
Not only did the letter state the guidance was often vague and not applicable to “real-world” scenarios it also noted that immediately rescinding the guidance would “eliminate the challenges and possible confusion that have been created recently for states that already have dischargers and are applying for permits and renewals based on the guidance memorandum.”
Because it was not drafted with proper deliberation with the EPA and federal partners, the EPA stated in yesterday’s announcement, that it is rescinding the guidance. The guidance also includes inconsistencies with the Clean Water Act and the Supreme Court decision in County of Maui V. Hawaii Wildlife Fund.
The EPA Office of Water is currently evaluating appropriate next steps to follow the rescission of the guidance.
Virtual session on policy implications
In December, NGWA will be hosting a virtual session on the policy implications of County of Maui V. Hawaii Wildlife Fund and the potential development of new technical guidance. The session will take place December 7-8 during NGWA’s 2021 virtual Groundwater Summit,
Estimating your groundwater needs. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that indoor water use averages 80 to 100 gallons per day for each person: The largest household use of water is flushing toilets, followed by showers and baths. The daily use per person can drop dramatically by installing water saving devices! Estimating your groundwater needs is easy with the following list of average usage :
Water use: A full tub is about 36 gallons. One shower will use 2–2.5 gallons per minute and older shower heads can use as much as 4 gallons per minute! Brushing your teeth can use more than 1 gallon of precious water, especially if water is left on while brushing. Newer bathroom faucets use about 1 gallon per minute, while older models use more than 2 gallons! Washing your hands and face uses 1 gallon of water. Shaving your legs uses 1 gallon of water or more! The dishwasher uses 20 gallons per load, depending on the efficiency of your dishwasher. Dish washing by hand can use 4 gallons per minute for older faucets.And newer kitchen faucets use about 1–2 gallons per minutes. A Clothes washer uses 25 gallons per load for newer washers. An older models use about 40 gallons per load. Flushing the toilet uses 3 gallons for older models. But most new toilets use 1.2–1.6 gallons per flush. Glasses of water drunk 8 oz. per glass and outdoor watering can use 2 gallons per minute!
Lincoln county is in a drought emergency situation! It is critical that we all do our part to conserve water ! We can not be wasteful! Check out our post for some great water saving tips!http://pumprollc.com/water-conservation-basics/
The Drinking Water and Water Infrastructure Act of 2021
The U.S. Senate passed Senate Bill 914 in a vote of 89-2 on April 29 that would authorize more than $35 billion in funding to improve water infrastructure and drinking water safety.
“The Drinking Water and Water Infrastructure Act of 2021” reauthorizes the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, at increased funding levels, that provides federal grants and loans to states and communities to upgrade their water infrastructure and promote water utility sustainability and resilience efforts.
The bill will also put an increased focus on disadvantaged and rural communities which often struggle to adequately fund and maintain water infrastructure. The bill will now be sent to the U.S. House for consideration.
COVID-19 is not a reason by itself for home treatment systems and bottled water.
By William M. Alley, Ph.D., and Charles A. Job. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (officially known as SARS-CoV-2 but referred to here as the COVID-19 virus) has not been detected in drinking water in either private wells or public drinking water systems.
Human feces would be the most likely source of the COVID-19 virus in drinking water, but according to the World Health Organization, “the risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low.”¹
Filtration and disinfection methods used in most municipal drinking water systems should remove or inactivate viruses. Despite the low risks, the question has arisen about the vulnerability to COVID-19 of homeowners with private wells and those who rely on untreated public groundwater supplies.
We address this question for private well owners by reviewing (1) viruses in groundwater in general and specific characteristics of the COVID-19 virus as it relates to groundwater, (2) septic systems as a potential source of COVID-19 virus to private wells, and (3) treatment systems for private wells.
Viruses in Groundwater
In general, groundwater contains fewer microbial contaminants (pathogens) than surface water, yet the biological integrity of groundwater cannot be taken for granted. Approximately half of all waterborne disease outbreaks are associated with contaminated groundwater.
Many of these outbreaks are from wells that serve businesses or small water systems that do not require water disinfection and have minimal microbial monitoring requirements. People drinking from household wells also can become exposed to waterborne pathogens, but these outbreaks are less well documented.
Pathogens can be introduced to groundwater through septic tanks, leaking sewers, and land applications of livestock manure and seepage, among other sources. Groundwater contamination also can occur from poor well design and construction.
A proper sanitary seal around the well casing is essential to block contaminants that might migrate from the land surface down the outside of the casing (well annulus) to the water table, bypassing the unsaturated zone that naturally helps cleanse groundwater.
Of Greater Concern
Human enteric viruses (those that replicate in the intestinal tract of humans) are among the microbial contaminants of greatest concern in well water. Common enteric viruses are shed in human stool in enormous numbers and commonly tied to disease outbreaks.
Reduction of pathogens in the subsurface generally relies on three processes: filtration, adsorption, and die-off/inactivation.
Filtration results when the pathogens are too large to fit through the soil or aquifer pores and cracks. The extent of filtration depends on the type of soil and rocks through which groundwater flows. For example, silts are more effective at trapping microorganisms than sands.
Filtration reduction also depends on the size of the organisms. Physical removal by pores is less effective for viruses than other pathogens because of the very small size of viruses.
Adsorption occurs when the microorganisms become attached to particles, which removes them from the water or at least delays their transport. Virus adsorption onto sediment grains is considered the primary removal mechanism in soils and groundwater, with a complex dependence on the chemistry of the sediment and water.
Travel time can be important because coronavirus lose their infectivity with time in the subsurface, dependent on temperature, pH, and other factors.
Soils have been found to be effective at virus removal. Rates of removal and restriction are dependent on soil texture, composition, and reactions occurring within the soil layer. At the same time, wells in certain types of aquifers, such as karst and fractured rock, are susceptible to enhanced virus transport.
The COVID-19 Virus
The COVID-19 virus is a respiratory virus that spreads by droplets from coughs and sneezes and by contact with contaminated surfaces. Coronavirus are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that range from 0.060 to 0.220 microns in size. Enveloped viruses are less stable in the environment than nonenveloped viruses.
The COVID-19 virus has been detected in the feces of some patients diagnosed with the coronavirus. The amount of virus released from the body (shed) in stool and whether the virus in stool is infectious are not known.
The risk of transmission of COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person is expected to be low, based on data from previous outbreaks of related coronavirus such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). There have been no reports of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 to date.7
Previous coronaviruses have been reported to die off rapidly in wastewater, with a 99.9% reduction in two to three days. Coronavirus might survive for weeks in groundwater based on limited studies of water.
Septic Systems and Setbacks
The main potential sources of viruses for homeowner wells are onsite decentralized wastewater treatment (septic) systems and sewer lines. Properly operated septic systems are designed to protect wells from contamination by pathogens, although outbreaks associated with septic systems continue to be reported. Particular concerns are associated with areas having high septic system densities.
A key concept recognized in local building codes across the nation is “setback”—a requirement that a water supply well be at least a certain distance from a septic system or sewer line to ensure adequate time for sufficient natural degradation of chemicals and die-off of harmful organisms that may endanger well water.
The setback approach as a barrier to contamination of wells is similar to the concept of wellhead protection—to keep potential sources of contamination away from wells. Setback distances take into account the soils and subsurface geology of an area or state. To enable chemical degradation and pathogen die-off/inactivation to occur.
Examples
As examples, setback distances for homeowner wells from septic leach fields in Minnesota are 50 feet except for special cases. The minimum setback of a septic field from a water well in Colorado is 50 feet, but through variance the minimum setback may be 25 feet based on the hydrogeologic information for the site.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects a properly managed septic system to treat the COVID-19 virus the same way the system manages other viruses often found in wastewater.
A second line of defense is well and septic system maintenance. Stormwater can pick up and carry viruses and other pathogens. During times or seasons of flooding, cracks in the well casing, riser, and apron around the wellhead can allow floodwater to enter the well and the annular space around the casing below ground.
Wells may be more vulnerable to contamination from viruses after flooding, particularly if the wells are shallow, have been dug or bored, or have been submerged by floodwater for long periods of time. Well disinfection may be required to eliminate the virus, which should be followed by a water test.
Treatment
In addition to the use of setbacks for wellhead protection and maintenance of wells and septic systems, water treatment is an optional third line of defense. Distillation, ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and reverse osmosis technologies are effective at virus removal at a household level as point-of-entry/point-of-use equipment
After flooding, household water from wells can also be boiled as a means of disinfection for viruses. Boiling water kills or inactivates viruses and other pathogens by using heat to damage structural components and disrupt essential life processes of the microbes.
To maximize protection
If a well has been flooded, the well water should be tested by qualified (certified/licensed) laboratories and, if testing positive for fecal indicator organisms, should be disinfected by a qualified water services contractor.
Conclusions
Drinking water from private wells presents a low risk for COVID-19, especially compared to direct human-to-human transmission or by touching a contaminated surface. By far and away, the best protection against COVID-19 is to follow the public health recommendations for social distancing, washing hands, and other measures.
Concerns about the COVID-19 virus in groundwater serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting against pathogens through proper care and maintenance of wells and septic systems.
The EPA, the National Ground Water Association, and many states recommend annual testing of private wells that includes indicator bacteria, analogous to an annual health checkup with a doctor. Inspection and maintenance may also be needed if problems are suspected.
Some home treatment systems, but not all, are effective against viruses when properly maintained. By itself, COVID-19 is not a reason to start drinking bottled water or installing home water treatment systems.
As we navigate the challenges we face with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the community, the health and safety of our employees and our customers, is of paramount concern. Water is one of the most important substances on earth and we work hard to make sure that all of our customers have clean water flowing from their taps.
We will be available
As we start to get back into our normal routines we have to be more diligent than ever to protect ourselves and our customers. Please know that we are taking all necessary measures to safeguard all of us by modifying day-to-day operations to follow all recommended best practices set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local public health officials.
Pumpro understands that clean water is vital to remaining healthy. We will continue to triage the calls that are coming in. And we want all of you to be rest assured that if a problem should develop with your water system we will be available to handle your calls. Unfortunately some of you are having to wait longer than we would like . Please be patient, we are doing our best to get caught up on the work that that you need done.
We would like to thank all of you, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time. We hope that we can continue to serve you during the pandemic and far beyond. Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions, any water issues. or just want to check on the status of your work order.
Find a Well Report
The Oregon Water Resources Department began requiring Well Reports in 1955. Copies of well reports for most water wells drilled in Oregon since that time can be found on the Department’s web site.
Water Well Reports are prepared and submitted to the Department by well constructors. A well report is a record of who owned the well, what construction was done, and the performance of the well at the time. The reports are archived records that are not updated.
“Well Reports” are prepared and submitted by well constructors when a well is constructed, altered, converted, or decommissioned. The reports entitled “Well Record” were created based on original U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data books. By comparison “Well Information Reports” are compiled by Department staff for some pre‐existing wells without official well driller reports, in order to document basic information.
Each well report has a unique well report number that consists of the
first four letters of the county and a series of numbers (example: DESC
1234). Note: This is different than a well ID label number. There may be
many well report numbers, but only one well ID label number. Once
assigned, the well ID label number will link well reports associated
with the well together.
The most requested information provided on well reports includes: depth, casing size, flow rate (gallons per minute) and water level. Well reports submitted prior to 2009 may not have a map associated with the well. Additionally, older reports often lack a street address or tax lot.
You may need to know the name of the property owner that originally had the well installed. But you may be able to find the report with a street address.
The Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality is proposing amendments to its administrative rules at OAR 340,
affecting rule division 54, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
Summary
The proposed amendments expand the
definition of eligible borrowers. The expansion adds non-profit
Community Development Financial Institutions, certified by the U.S.
Department of Treasury, for the specific purpose of lending to
individual homeowners for:
Septic repair
Septic replacement
Connection to a public sewer system
Stakeholder Involvement
DEQ has appointed an advisory committee to
review issues related to the proposed rules. The next committee meeting
will take place:
9:00 a.m. February 26, 2020 Room 601 DEQ Headquarters 700 NE Multnomah Street Portland, OR 97232
The public may attend, but is not entitled to participate in, advisory committee meetings. Later in this rule making proceeding, DEQ will invite public comments on and will hold a public hearing about the proposed rules. At that time any member of the public may submit comments and participate in the public hearing.
Groundwater Foundation Begins Year Long Effort to Drill Wells for Families in Need
(WESTERVILLE, OH — February 6, 2020) —Groundwater Foundation to Drill Wells for Families in Need. The Groundwater Foundation begins year-long effort to drill water wells for low-income families across the U.S. The program offers long-term, low interest loans to those who lack access to clean, safe, and affordable water.
Drilling began on a new water well system for the Saleh family
On Tuesday, February 4, drilling began on a new water well system for the Saleh family in Crete, Illinois.
The Groundwater Foundation donated $100,000 to the Water Well Trust last year, to fund a program which pays for the initial cost of drilling a well. Participating families are given a 20-year 1% interest loan.
The Saleh family’s water stopped flowing on July 4, 2019, due to a broken casing which caused their well system to fill with sand. Unable to afford the up-front cost of a new water well, Saleh was forced into costly short-term solutions to provide her family with water.
“We ended up buying gallons and gallons of water jugs and eventually purchased four large totes and a shallow well pump. All connected with gardening hoses and PVC pipe,” said Marvet Saleh. “But this is Chicago, and it’s getting cold which creates a lot of problems for our system.”
Water Well Trust Grant Program
After learning about the Water Well Trust grant program from her local fire department, Saleh began the process of applying for funding assistance to purchase a new water well.
“I’m so thankful for the partnership between the Groundwater Foundation and Water Well Trust. There is nowhere else I could get a loan for a new well, especially not one I can afford.” said Saleh.
The Groundwater Foundation, working with the Water Well Trust, assisted Saleh throughout the entirety of the project. From soliciting bids from well drillers to the final installation of the system.
“Water is a basic human need and often taken for granted. Living without clean, safe water impacts every part of your day-to-day life,” said National Ground Water Association CEO and Groundwater Foundation Board Member, Terry S. Morse. “I’m thrilled we were able to help; no family should be without clean, safe, and affordable water,
Currently, there are 1.5 million Americans lacking complete plumbing and access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
For more information on how to support the Groundwater Foundation. And to support its mission to provide safe, clean, drinking water to those in need, please visit groundwater.org.
About the Groundwater Foundation and Water Well Trust
NGWA announced its merger with the non-profit Groundwater Foundation in May 2018
NGWA and the Water Systems Council signed a five-year memorandum of understanding in 2018, that set a foundation for future collaborations.
The Water Well Trust is the nonprofit organization overseen by the Water Systems Council. Increasing access to clean water is one the first projects being worked on collectively.
Story provided by
January 23, 2020
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group have for the first time found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water of dozens of U.S. cities, including major metropolitan areas. The results confirm the number of Americans exposed to PFAS from contaminated tap water has been underestimated by previous studies, both from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and EWG’s own research.
Based on tests and new academic research that found PFAS widespread in rainwater. Scientists now believe PFAS are likely detectable in all major water supplies in the United States, almost certainly in all that use surface water. Tests also found chemicals from the PFAS family that are not commonly tested for in drinking water.
Water conservation basics. Groundwater Conservation Matters. There is something every person can do to conserve water. Americans are some of the largest users of water, per capita, in the world. In the United States, Americans use 79.6 billion gallons of ground water every day—the equivalent of 2,923 12-oz. cans for every man, woman, and child in the nation.
Most surface water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams are
connected to ground water. So, whether your water supply comes from
ground water or surface water, conservation matters.
Water Conservation Basics
Almost three-quarters of water used inside the home occurs in the
bathroom, with 41 percent used for toilet flushing and 33 percent for
bathing. The remainder of indoor water use is divided between clothes
washing and kitchen use, including dish washing, according to the U.S.
EPA.
Outdoor water use varies greatly across the country. For instance, in
California, 44 percent of all household water use is outdoors, while in
Pennsylvania only 7 percent is used outdoors.
Understanding where you use water most can provide hints on where the most water can be conserved.
More Water Conservation Basic tips..
Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering your indoor plants or garden.
Repair dripping faucets and toilets. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year.
Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
Choose appliances that are water and energy-efficient.
Don’t run a faucet when you’re not using the water, such as while brushing your teeth.
Kitchen
Only run the dishwasher when it is fully loaded, and use the “light wash” feature, if available, to use less water.
Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until the water is cool.
Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering.
Laundry
Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded, or set the water level to match the size of your load.
Outdoors
Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you could have a leak.
Plant native and/or drought tolerant grasses, ground cover, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period.
Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Avoid buying recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
Car Washing
Use a shutoff nozzle on the hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray.
Lawn Care
Avoid over watering your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for
watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch
of water per week.
Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.
Position sprinklers so that water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Mist can evaporate before it reaches the lawn.
Raise the mower blade to a higher level. A higher cut encourages
grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil
moisture.
Pool
Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 190 to 250 gallons of water.
Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.
This information is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Can contaminants in my well make me and others sick?
The short answer to this question is yes. While it may depend on the toxicity of a chemical, its concentration, and the duration of exposure, well water contaminants can lead to short and or long term health effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified the following to be the most common outbreaks in domestic well systems: Contaminants in my well that can make me and others sick:
Hepatitis A (liver disease usually spread by ingesting fecal matter)
Arsenic and Nitrate poisoning (cancer and other symptoms)
NEW! Harmful Algae Blooms English / Spanish (produce toxins, and when ingested can cause negative health effects)
While everyone in your household may not be affected, vulnerable populations (i.e.: children, the elderly, pregnant women, and autoimmune compromised individuals) are particularly susceptible. For other contaminants and their health effects, visit Drinking Water Services’ list of chemicals.
Approximately 23% of Oregonians rely on domestic wells, or private wells, as their primary source of potable water.
This makes groundwater protection and well stewardship of high public health importance. To protect both the lifelong health of Oregonians and the state’s groundwater resources, the Oregon Domestic Well Safety Program (DWSP) focuses on improving local and state capacity to assess and manage risks associated with private wells.
DWSP partners with local health departments and water information providers to further promote domestic well safety.
Coliform bacteria are part of a broad group of bacteria found in soil, water and vegetation. It can also be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. It can enter your well through groundwater, surface water run-off, cracked or broken well parts, poor construction, and leaking septic tanks. In your well water, coliform can mean there are disease-causing organisms in it. Also, E. coli is a sign of fecal matter and can cause health problems.
Coliform bacteria and your health.
If your well water test positive for total coliform (E. coli), you may have diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. Infants, young children and people with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk.
Coliform bacteria and your well water.
Testing for coliform is the most common way to know if your drinking water is contaminated and unsafe to drink. If your water tests positive for E. coli, you should switch to bottled water or another source of safe drinking water and seek treatment options. You should test for coliform bacteria at least once a year.
If your water tests positive for E. Coli IT IS NOT SAFE for drinking, food preparation or brushing your teeth.
But IT iS SAFE for other domestic uses and irrigating gardens.
Before using water that has tested positive for E.coli you MUST BOIL it first. Or you can use bottled water (or other safe drinking water source).
Supervise children to help them avoid swallowing water while bathing, or brushing teeth, etc.
Inspect your well head and well parts for repairs and contact Pumpro, your local drinking water specialist for treatment advice.
Use an accredited laboratory.
Domestic well testing is the process of having an accredited laboratory test water from a private well for possible contaminants. The most common contaminants being arsenic, nitrate, and total coliform bacteria. You can also test for other contaminants. To determine what other contaminants you may be at risk for, call your local health department. Testing is required by law if selling a property with a private well. It is also recommended annually if using a well as a source of potable water.
Testing is required by law.
ORS 448.271 requires testing of domestic well water during a real estate transaction. The Oregon Real Estate Transaction law states:
“In any transaction for the sale or exchange of real estate that includes a well that supplies ground water for domestic purposes, the seller of the real estate shall, upon accepting an offer to purchase that real estate, have the well tested for arsenic, nitrates and total coliform bacteria. The Oregon Health Authority also may, by rule, require additional tests for specific contaminants in specific areas of public health concern. The seller shall submit the results of the tests required under this section to the authority and to the buyer within 90 days of receiving the results of the tests.”
The seller of the real estate, or property, is responsible for having the water tested. However, the seller can designate their attorney, real estate agent or broker, laboratory person conducting the water testing, or a private party to assist them in complying with water testing and reporting requirements. Notify the potential buyer of the results within 90 days and results should be sent to the state of Oregon’s Drinking Water Services.
The test results are valid for one year.
Samples must be collected according to the Oregon Administrative Rule OAR 333-061-0335 and analyzed by an accredited laboratory per OAR 333-061-0330.
It is recommended that you test for bacteria and nitrate every year. If these are present, it’s possible that disease causing organisms may be contaminating your water.
In addition, testing for the presence of arsenic should be done at least once. Some areas in Oregon are particularly susceptible and well owners are encouraged to routinely check their wells’ arsenic levels. If arsenic is present in an initial test (above 8ppb), you should retest. Upon the retest, if high concentrations continue, a treatment system should be installed. With a treatment system, testing should be done each year at point of use and every three years at the well head.
If you are just routinely testing your well, there is no obligation to report your results.
If you are selling your property, you must report specific information about the well and the quality of the water within 90 days from receiving the results. Results must be submitted to both the potential buyer and the state of Oregon (ORS 448.271).
Filing a Domestic Well Testing For Real Estate Transaction form.
The seller should complete a Domestic Well Testing For Real Estate Transaction form. Blank forms are also available from local real estate offices and Oregon Drinking Water Services. The completed Domestic Well Testing For Real Estate Transaction form and laboratory test results should be sent to:
Domestic Well Safety Program (DWSP)
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 640
Portland, OR 97232
Contact Pumpro to schedule a water quality test and an estimate for filtration.
The Department conducts a variety of functions critical to the long-term management of Oregon’s groundwater resources. It is a priority to protect groundwater resources through construction, education, and enforcement procedures.
The Well Construction and Compliance Section is responsible for several program areas to ensure that wells are properly constructed, altered, maintained, and decommissioned. This is important to prevent contamination, loss of artesian pressure, and waste of groundwater resources. These program areas include the licensing of well constructors, enforcement of well construction standards,and recording groundwater use. As well as providing well ID labels to landowners during property transfers. Also, issuing special standards, and keeping a repository of well reports. The construction of wells and the data provided on well reports affects anyone using groundwater for domestic, municipal, industrial, environmental monitoring, or agricultural purposes.
Top 10 Facts About Groundwater Use
Facts and Myths about Groundwater.
Only 1 percent of the water on Earth is useable, 99 percent of which is groundwater.
The United States uses 349 billion gallons of freshwater every day.
Groundwater is 20 to 30 times larger than all U.S. lakes, streams, and rivers combined.
Groundwater accounts for 33 percent of all the water used by U.S. municipalities.
44 percent of the U.S. population depends on groundwater for its drinking water supply.
More than 13.2 million households have their own well, representing 34 million people.
53.5 billion gallons of groundwater are used for agricultural irrigation each day. In 1990 that number was 2.2 billion.
The largest U.S. aquifer is Ogallala, underlying 250,000 square miles stretching from Texas to South Dakota. Scientists estimate it could take 6000 years to naturally refill the aquifer if it were ever fully depleted.
California pumps 10.7 billion gallons of groundwater each day, a third more than the second-highest state, Texas.
Groundwater is the world’s most extracted raw material with withdrawal rates in the estimated range of 259 trillion gallons per year.
Top Groundwater Myths
Facts and Myths about Groundwater.
Groundwater migrates thousands of miles.
Groundwater removed from the Earth is never returned.
Groundwater is not a significant source of water supply.
Groundwater is abundantly available, therefore does not need to be conserved.
There is no relationship between groundwater and surface water.
More Groundwater Facts…
Groundwater Facts
Groundwater is the water that fills cracks and other openings in beds of rocks and sand.
Each drop of rain that soaks into the soils moves downward to the water table, which is the water level in the groundwater reservoir. Groundwater does not normally occur in underground streams, lakes, or veins. Groundwater is found in soils and sands able to retain the water — much like a sponge holds water.
Some 2.78 million trillion gallons of groundwater, 30.1 percent of the world’s freshwater, are estimated for the entire planet of Earth.1 Of the total 349 billion gallons of freshwater the United States withdraws each day, groundwater is estimated to be 79.6 billion gallons, or 26 percent.2
From 2010 to 2015, groundwater use in the United States increased by 8.3% while surface water use declined by 13.9%.3
About a quarter of all U.S. rainfall becomes groundwater. Groundwater provides much of the flow of many streams; many lakes and streams are “windows” to the water table. In large part, the flow in a stream represents water that has flowed from the ground into the stream channel. It is estimated by the USGS that about 30 percent of U.S. stream-flow is from groundwater, although it is higher in some locations and less in others.4
About 90 percent of our freshwater supplies lie underground, but less than 27 percent of the water Americans use comes from underground sources, which illustrates the under-utilization of groundwater.5
Groundwater is a significant water supply source — the amount of groundwater storage dwarfs our present surface water supply.
Hydrologists estimate, according to the National Geographic Society, U.S. groundwater reserves to be at least 33,000 trillion gallons — equal to the amount discharged into the Gulf of Mexico by the Mississippi River in the past 200 years.6
At any given moment, groundwater is 20 to 30 times greater than the amount in all the lakes, streams, and rivers of the United States.7
The United States uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater for public supply, private supply, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric power, and other purposes.8
California pumps 17.4 billion gallons per day of groundwater for all purposes, 2.4 times as much as the second-ranked state — Texas (7.2 bgd).9
Groundwater is tapped through wells placed in water-bearing soils and rocks beneath the surface of the earth.
More than 15.9 million water wells for all purposes serve the United States.10
Approximately 500,000 new residential wells are constructed annually, according to NGWA estimates. The construction of these vitally needed water supply systems involves the use of more than 18,460 drilling machines by an estimated 8,085 groundwater contracting firms.11
Groundwater is a renewable resource.
In most parts of the country, water removed from the ground is constantly replaced, although in some parts of the country such as arid and semiarid regions, a low rate of replenishment is far exceeded by the rate of groundwater pumping, resulting in serious problems of groundwater mining.
Adequate time is needed to allow replenishment of underlying groundwater reservoirs (aquifers); also such areas must be properly managed in order to prevent water-soluble waste products stored in these areas from infiltrating and polluting the underground supply.
NGWA has determined that 38 percent of the U.S. population depends on groundwater for its drinking water supply — be it from either a public source or private well.12
Private household wells constitute the largest share of all water wells in the United States — more than 13,135 million year-round occupied households have their own well.13
Other kinds of wells are used for municipal systems, industry, agriculture, and quality monitoring. Groundwater accounts for 39 percent of all the water used by U.S. municipalities.14
Michigan, with an estimated 1,121,075 households served by private water wells, is the largest state market, followed by Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York, and Florida.15
Irrigation accounts for the largest use of groundwater in the United States. Some 57.2 billion gallons of groundwater are used daily for agricultural irrigation from 475,796 wells.16 In 1900, the U.S. used only 2.2 billion gallons of groundwater daily for irrigation from 17,000 wells.
More than 90 percent of the groundwater pumped from the Ogallala, the nation’s largest aquifer underlying some 250,000 square miles stretching from Texas to South Dakota, is used for agricultural irrigation. Representing about one-third of all U.S. irrigated agriculture, it creates about $20 billion annually in food and fiber.
If spread across the surface of the entire United States, the Ogallala’s groundwater would cover all 50 states with 1.5 feet of water. Scientists estimate it could take 6,000 years to refill naturally if it were ever to be fully withdrawn.17
Texas leads the nation in the number of irrigation wells with 81,511.18
The following myths continue to be perpetuated about groundwater:
Groundwater moves rapidly.
Groundwater migrates thousands of miles.
There is no relationship between groundwater and surface water.
Groundwater removed from the earth is never returned.
Groundwater is mysterious and occult.
Groundwater is not a significant source of water supply.
Before It Gets Cold
1: Insulate.
Cover any exposed pipes in your home’s crawl space, attic and garage. If you have a well, be sure that the cover or pump house is sufficiently insulated.
2: Seal.
Close any openings that could allow cold air to move around water pipes.
3: Disconnect.
Remove all garden hoses from your outdoor hose bibs.
Dangerous microorganisms that can inhabit well water, such as E. coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, can be destroyed with a Ultraviolet (or UV) sterilizer. By using a UV light source in the well water system, this water disinfection method is safe, effective, chemical-free, and wastes no water in the process.
Iron & Sulfur Removal
Identified by its rusty, red-colored stain and buildup, iron can be found in well water in several forms, each of which requiring a different treatment method. The “rotten egg” odor that is commonly attributed to sulfur in well water is actually caused by a contamination of hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas that results from an excess of bacteria in groundwater which use sulfur as an energy source. We can remove these contaminates from your well water, greatly improving its quality and odor.
Pumpro has been seeing the effects of drought conditions all over Lincoln County. Home owners who have never had problems with their wells before are regularly experiencing low water yields. Which can also create water quality problems. Many private wells are drying up completely. Which forces private well owners to either haul water or have a new well drilled.
Both options can be very expensive. And there is a risk that a new well will not produce water either. And abandoning a well can be more costly than drilling a new one. By law an abandoned well will have to be filled in and there are methods that have to be followed.
Drought conditions in Lincoln county impacting private wells.
Oregon Drought Readiness Council’s story:
Story date: 8/9/2018
Primary category: Agriculture/Livestock
Secondary category:
Impact (0-4):
For Lincoln County, streamflows averaged 50 percent of normal during July. Streamflows were near an all-time low in the Siletz River during the same time period. It’s reported that observed drought impacts included loss of economic stability, lost growing season, decreased water supplies, and early onset fire danger.
In the inland regions of Lincoln County, temperatures were almost 4 degrees (F) warmer than normal for the month of July and precipitation was between 5 and 25 percent of normal. As of August 7, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the Mid Coast Basin in D2 “severe drought” conditions. The county also requested a Governor’s drought declaration for the first time. A governor’s drought declaration provides an opportunity for the county and its partners to message the importance of planning and implementing water efficiency measures. It is also an opportunity to document, for the record, the impacts that drought has on the county’s economy, natural resources, and public health. The Governor declared drought in Lincoln County on August 14, 2018.
Edited by rharmon_OWRD on 9/17/18
Have you had your water tested lately?
Sulfur Odors In Well Water.
Water containing hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) has a distinctive “rotten egg” odor, which may be especially noticeable when running hot water. Such water can discolor beverages like coffee and tea, and alter the appearance and taste of cooked foods. Hydrogen sulfide gas is a nuisance. It is not usually a health risk at concentrations normally found in household water. But it is flammable and poisonous, and can be toxic. If enough hydrogen sulfide gas is released in a confined area, it can cause nausea, illness, and in extreme cases, death. However, the gas can usually be detected long before it reaches harmful concentrations. ” Have your well water tested to determine filtration needs,
Corrosion
CH2S dissolved in water can corrode metal pipes (iron, steel, copper, and brass) and exposed metal parts in washing machines and other water-using appliances. The corrosion of iron and steel from hydrogen sulfide forms ferrous sulfide or “black water,” which can darken silverware and discolor copper and brass utensils. Hydrogen sulfide can also interfere with the effectiveness of water softeners and filter systems. Sources present in groundwater use iron and sulfur as an energy source and chemically change sulfates to produce H2S gas. They also use sulfur available from decaying plants, rocks, or soil, and often thrive in iron-rich environments.
These bacteria s are harmless, non-toxic and normally exist in oxygen-deficient environments. But do not usually cause health problems. Although at low levels they can contribute to bad tastes and/or odors. Hydrogen sulfide gas may also be found in wells drilled in shale or sandstone, near coal or peat deposits, in oil fields, and in sewage. Though H2S is usually grows n wells, it can also enter surface water through springs but quickly escape into the atmosphere. Water heaters can also become a source of foul H2S odors. The magnesium rod used in water heaters for corrosion control can chemically reduce sulfates to H2S
Test Your Water
If your water supply has an odor problem the first step is to determine the source. If the odor comes directly from the well a mineral water test is critical to determine the right filter system. A mineral test should include pH, iron, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids, and oxidation-reduction potential. Additional tests for sulfate, hydrogen sulfide, and tannin are recommended as well. The sample should be taken as close to the well as possible. These results can help you choose the best type of water treatment to use, and what type of system to select. (Avoid in-home water testing by water softener salespeople during sales demonstrations.)
Your water should also be tested for total coliform and e-coli (fecal coliform) to prevent health issues. Also a complete mineral, metals and bacteriological test is recommended when there will be infants or children drinking the water. If your water comes from a public water system and you experience an odor problem it is important to contact a utility official to determine where the odor comes from. It may come from the public system or your home’s plumbing or piping.
Check For Odors in Cold & Hot Water.
Run a hose bib or tap as close to the well as possible, fill a 5-gallon bucket or other container, and check for odors. If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, this is hydrogen sulfide gas. Water that smells like oil or asphalt may be from manganese. And water that smells like cucumber or sewage usually a result of iron and/or sulfur bacteria. Run hot water from each tap to determine if there is an odor in the hot water that is not in the cold water. This indicates a problem with the water heater. Iron and sulfur bacteria can interact with the anode rod in water heaters, resulting in hydrogen sulfide gas. Changing the anode rod to an aluminum rod can often solve this problem. It is recommended that you drain your water heater at least once per year. This will flush out sediment that may accumulate in the bottom and give you an idea of the sediment’s type and color.
Perform a “Toilet Tank Inspection”Unless it is new or has recently been cleaned, your toilet flush tank can be a wealth of useful water quality information! Simply lift the cover and look in. If you see slimy rust deposits on the sides of the tank and frothy bubbles in the tank water, this may indicate the presence of iron or sulfur bacteria which can create sulfur and other odors in your water.
Built in the USA CASE STUDY :
According to the American Water Works Association, average daily residential water use in the United States is 27.4 billion gallons. This domestic water is used for everything from lawn irrigation to cooking, cleaning and plumbing. By that account, it’s clear that water is essential to homeowners who take great pride in maintaining and improving their homes. A consistent supply of water requires reputable, reliable and high quality pumps. Xylem’s Goulds Water Technology (GWT) brand pumps are engineered, tested and assembled to meet these homeowner needs with pride in craftsmanship.
For added value and to show appreciation for our customers, Pumpro offers a 5 year warranty on all pumps that we install. This is an extended warranty over the 2 year warranty offered by our well pump supplier.
Homeowners using the Internet to locate information regarding residential water and wastewater systems, controls and tanks may discover several sites offering a direct-to-consumer purchasing opportunity. Residential water and wastewater systems are mission critical applications and are designed to be installed by qualified professionals.
No warranty is offered on Goulds Water Technology equipment purchased over the Internet, including web-based options from unauthorized retailers.
This policy is necessary to ensure that Goulds Water Technology equipment is installed properly, in compliance with applicable laws, rules and codes, in a manner that addresses safety concerns and the proper performance of Goulds Water Technology equipment.
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends well owners test their water annually for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic and any contaminants of local concern. More frequent testing should be considered if:
There is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap, inundation by floodwaters, or a new contamination source
The well has a history of bacterial contamination
The septic system has recently malfunctioned
Family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness
An infant is living in the home
To monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.
Submersible pumps are renowned for their high efficiency and reliability throughout the range. Made entirely of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, submersible pumps are ideal for a wide variety of applications.
Submersible pumps represent state-of-the-art hydraulic design. Built to deliver optimum efficiency during periods of high demand, the pumps provide low long-term costs and high operating reliability regardless of the application.
Submersible pumps range offers high efficiency, high resistance to sand and other abrasives and easy maintenance.
Goulds Jet Pumps are corrosion resistant, plastic tubing and fittings are easily removed for cleaning.
Premium O-ring design fittings need only be hand tight to seal.
Impeller: F.D.A. compliant, glass filled Noryl®. Corrosion and abrasion resistant.
Bolt down Lexan® diffuser has stainless wear ring for extended performance in abrasive conditions.
Corrosion Resistant: Electro-coat paint is baked on.
Protected Mechanical Seal: Diaphragm retains water in the casing to ensure the mechanical seal can never run dry.
Excellent Air Handling Ability: After initial priming the pump has the ability to re-prime itself.
Our Jet Pump Supplier: Goulds Jet Pumps
Water Storage Tanks
Norwesco water tanks are manufactured using resins that meet FDA specifications to ensure safe storage of potable water.
The black or dark green color limits light penetration which reduces the growth of water-borne algae. Storage systems help when your well yields low amounts of water and your watering needs are more than your flow is able to handle.
Storage tanks come in a variety of sizes allowing for more water storage, depending on the volume you would like to have available.
Approximately 23% of Oregonians rely on domestic wells, or private wells, as their primary source of potable water.
Top 10 Facts About Groundwater Use
