Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater accumulates in layers of bedrock and soil where the mix forms a geologic unit called an aquifer, into which wells are sunk and which supply the municipal water system. It is difficult to purify once tainted, since poisons can lodge in geologic shelves, which can infect the unpolluted water batches.

The EPA periodically notes the presence of suspected carcinogens in ground water that finds its way into households. Some dangerous contaminants can sink into the ground to mix with the water, including perchloroethylene, which is a carcinogenic chemical used by car repair stores and dry cleaners.

An administration report from the Ground Water Protection Council (an organization that assists industry, state and local government) states: "We always assumed that ground water purifies itself. It's only in the last 20 years that ground water science has developed to the point where we realize what you pour out, you drink."

A recent two-year EPA study estimated that even our rivers and lakes aren't safe anymore. According to the study nearly 40 percent of the nation's rivers and lakes are too polluted for safe drinking, fishing or swimming.

Potential Sources of Groundwater Contamination are for instance:

• Overloading and/or poor installation of septic systems

• Excessive use of pesticides

• Improper disposal of house and garden chemicals

• Improper storage, leaks, spills of hazardous materials

• Corrosion of pipelines

• Poor management of landfills

• Poor installation/maintenance and/or overflow of storage lagoons

• Corroded underground storage tanks

• Over-fertilization

• Small disposal pits, used for dumping or burning wastes by businesses or households

One of the most famous examples of groundwater contamination is "Love Lane" in 1978. After residents of the Love Canal neighborhood in upstate New York observed anomalous high numbers of cancer victims and birth defects, it was eventually found out that the water supply was infected by organic solvents and dioxins from an industrial landfill, and evaporated toxins even contaminated the air. Over 800 families were affected by this contamination, leading to several legal battles and trials.

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