For starters, visit the Groundwater Protection section of this Web site. Pay special attention to the sources of contamination likely to be a risk in your area and to the recommended actions for community groups. Many suggestions are similar--educate the public, connect with professionals, and get involved in agency or legislative decision-making.
Some guidelines and resources are provided below, but don't be afraid to be creative. Try to stay focused on your goals and don't be tempted to try to do everything.
Groundwater Education for the Public
Advertising
An effective way to get the word to a large number of people is to advertise. Options include mass mailings, fliers, and public service announcements. Don't expect everyone hearing your message to take action, but you can greatly increase awareness, and some people will act.
Before jumping into an advertising effort, take advantage of available resources:
- Local professionals who might be willing to contribute time
- Free inserts in utility bills
- Previously developed materials from other areas that can be adapted to fit your community's situation
- Public service announcements and community radio hours
If your group doesn't include an expert in graphic design or public relations, don't hesitate to get help. It will save you time in the long run and greatly improve the effectiveness of your outreach effort.
Displays
Go to where the people are. Develop a display for fairs, festivals, and community events. If this is new to you, check with your county OSU Extension Service office or Watershed Council to see whether you can work with them.
Here are some suggestions:
Develop a catchy informational display and make sure everyone in your community has a chance to see it. Libraries, utility offices, banks, and other places often have rotating display areas where community groups can set up a display.
Staff a booth at festivals and the county fair to increase your visibility and allow people to ask questions. One-on-one education can be very effective. This approach also will give you an opportunity to recruit new people to work on projects.
You can download and print OSU Extension Service well water publications. Check other groundwater links for publications for your booth.
Use a groundwater model in you booth--it's both attention-getting and educational. Models are available for loan from a variety of sources throughout the state. Check with your DEQ regional office, OSU Extension Well Water Program, or Soil and Water Conservation District.
Offer free nitrate screening of well water samples. This valuable community service and will draw large numbers of people to your booth or event. The OSU Extension Service Well Water Program can provide supplies. Nitrate screening, while not accurate enough for scientific studies, can give you a general idea whether elevated nitrate is a concern.
Workshops and guest speakers
Start with an inventory of your resources:
- Are there members of your group with experience in public speaking or education?
- Are local professionals available to speak?
- What community organizations or businesses that might serve as potential audiences for speakers?
- Who might cosponsor a workshop for the public?
Every community is different. and every groundwater group has unique talents and contacts. Play to your strengths.
Various existing presentations are available statewide:
- Drinking Water Protection for Your Community
An overview of the Drinking Water Protection Planning Program in Oregon and how your community can get started. Contact DEQ 503-229-5413.- Where does our drinking water come from?
A discussion of the geology and hydrology of the area supplying your community's drinking water. This program is based on the first part of the Drinking Water Protection Planning process conducted by the Oregon Health Division. Contact Dennis Nelson, Oregon Health Division Drinking Water Program, (503-731-4010).- Rural Living Basics: Well Water and Septic Tanks
A class on managing private water systems to prevent groundwater contamination. Contact well.water@oregonstate.edu
Here are some suggestions for local presentations:
- Ask DEQ staff involved with local cleanup (past or present) to give an overview of the project.
- Invite a reputable well driller (who feels comfortable with public speaking) to discuss proper construction, problems with unused wells, water quality problems in the area, and experiences working with the groundwater resource.
- Encourage your local OSU Extension Service and Soil and Water Conservation District staff to present workshops on protecting water quality.
School and youth programs
It often is said that the best way to reach adults is through their children. Not only that, the children themselves can make a difference now and in the future. A one-time guest speaker in a classroom probably won't have much impact, especially if the speaker isn't comfortable in that setting. Instead, plan with teachers and youth group leaders to make groundwater protection education part of their curriculum.
It seems that teachers always are short of time. If your group can gather materials and set up the classroom for hands-on activities, teachers are much more receptive. Once you gather materials for an activity, you can offer the service again and again. If all goes well, teachers will request the groundwater education program instead of you asking to present it.
Many published groundwater activities are available for use in schools. For example:
- USGS water posters
These colorful posters, including one on groundwater, have background information and classroom activities on the back. They are suitable for elementary, middle school, and high school levels. They also are available uncolored so that students can color their own poster.- Give Water A Hand
This youth program can be used in schools or as part of a project-oriented youth group such as 4-H or Scouts. The focus is on the entire watershed, including groundwater.- The Awesome Aquifer Club
Sponsored by the Groundwater Foundation, 4th and 5th grade classes work on groundwater-related activities all year and culminate the year by attending a Groundwater Festival. Teachers sign up at the beginning of the year.- EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water Kid's Page
Check out the games, activities, and age-specific experiments.- Drinking Water Week
One week every May is declared National Drinking Water Week. American Water Works Association, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235 (Phone: 303-794-7711, ext. 6284 or 800-926-7337).- Drink Tap - Water Information
Outreach to professionals
The temptation is great to tell folks how they are risking groundwater contamination by the way they are doing their job. Resist that temptation, as hard as that may be.
Practice these phrases:
- "I'm interested in protecting our community's groundwater and would like to learn more about what businesses are doing along those lines." (You might be surprised at steps that already are being taken.)
- "My group is working to protect groundwater in our area. We thought you might be interested in working with us." (If they aren't, at least you invited them.)
- "We would like to recognize local businesses that are taking extra steps to protect groundwater. Would you like to find out more?" (Of course, you need to have more to tell them.)
Keep practicing until these roll off your tongue and there is no doubt that you are sincere.
Training
Many professions require training for licenses, recertification, or advancement. Often there is some flexibility in the content of these courses. Determine whether a groundwater protection topic might be appropriate. Training for realtors, pesticide applicators, and water system operators already contains a groundwater component. The training should be done by someone with credentials, so consider enlisting the help of local agency staff.
Recognition
Give careful thought to how you want to recognize those professionals taking action to protect groundwater. Does everyone meeting a minimum standard get a certificate or sign to hang on the door? Do you want to acknowledge those who go the extra mile? Will there be any meaning to your recognition beyond your group--maybe from local government?
Groundwater protection involves a long-term effort. Plan for consistency; don't change your criteria from year to year, or the recognition won't have any significance.
Spread the word far and wide about those who have been recognized:
- Use the local press.
- Send the information to all local and statewide agencies that might be interested.
- Include a list in a special section of your newsletter.
- Notify the appropriate professional organizations for their newsletters.
Partnering with businesses
Many businesses have the opportunity to share groundwater protection information with their clients. Several examples include:
- Postcards mailed by realtors to rural residents about septic system care
- Heating oil tank safety information delivered by the oil company when filling tanks
- Well inspection and maintenance information mailed with test results by water testing companies.
Groundwater Education for the Public
Advertising
An effective way to get the word to a large number of people is to advertise. Options include mass mailings, fliers, and public service announcements. Don't expect everyone hearing your message to take action, but you can greatly increase awareness, and some people will act.
Before jumping into an advertising effort, take advantage of available resources:
- Local professionals who might be willing to contribute time
- Free inserts in utility bills
- Previously developed materials from other areas that can be adapted to fit your community's situation
- Public service announcements and community radio hours
If your group doesn't include an expert in graphic design or public relations, don't hesitate to get help. It will save you time in the long run and greatly improve the effectiveness of your outreach effort.
Displays
Go to where the people are. Develop a display for fairs, festivals, and community events. If this is new to you, check with your county OSU Extension Service office or Watershed Council to see whether you can work with them.
Here are some suggestions:
Develop a catchy informational display and make sure everyone in your community has a chance to see it. Libraries, utility offices, banks, and other places often have rotating display areas where community groups can set up a display.
Staff a booth at festivals and the county fair to increase your visibility and allow people to ask questions. One-on-one education can be very effective. This approach also will give you an opportunity to recruit new people to work on projects.
You can download and print OSU Extension Service well water publications. Check other groundwater links for publications for your booth.
Use a groundwater model in you booth--it's both attention-getting and educational. Models are available for loan from a variety of sources throughout the state. Check with your DEQ regional office, OSU Extension Well Water Program, or Soil and Water Conservation District.
Offer free nitrate screening of well water samples. This valuable community service and will draw large numbers of people to your booth or event. The OSU Extension Service Well Water Program can provide supplies. Nitrate screening, while not accurate enough for scientific studies, can give you a general idea whether elevated nitrate is a concern.
Workshops and guest speakers
Start with an inventory of your resources:
- Are there members of your group with experience in public speaking or education?
- Are local professionals available to speak?
- What community organizations or businesses that might serve as potential audiences for speakers?
- Who might cosponsor a workshop for the public?
Every community is different. and every groundwater group has unique talents and contacts. Play to your strengths.
Various existing presentations are available statewide:
- Drinking Water Protection for Your Community
An overview of the Drinking Water Protection Planning Program in Oregon and how your community can get started. Contact Sheree Stewart, Oregon DEQ (503-229-5413).- Where does our drinking water come from?
A discussion of the geology and hydrology of the area supplying your community's drinking water. This program is based on the first part of the Drinking Water Protection Planning process conducted by the Oregon Health Division. Contact Dennis Nelson, Oregon Health Division Drinking Water Program, (503-731-4010).- Rural Living Basics: Well Water and Septic Tanks
A class on managing private water systems to prevent groundwater contamination. Contact Melissa Fery or Chrissy Lucas, OSU Extension Service Well Water Program (541-766-3549)
Here are some suggestions for local presentations:
- Ask DEQ staff involved with local cleanup (past or present) to give an overview of the project.
- Invite a reputable well driller (who feels comfortable with public speaking) to discuss proper construction, problems with unused wells, water quality problems in the area, and experiences working with the groundwater resource.
- Encourage your local OSU Extension Service and Soil and Water Conservation District staff to present workshops on protecting water quality.
School and youth programs
It often is said that the best way to reach adults is through their children. Not only that, the children themselves can make a difference now and in the future. A one-time guest speaker in a classroom probably won't have much impact, especially if the speaker isn't comfortable in that setting. Instead, plan with teachers and youth group leaders to make groundwater protection education part of their curriculum.
It seems that teachers always are short of time. If your group can gather materials and set up the classroom for hands-on activities, teachers are much more receptive. Once you gather materials for an activity, you can offer the service again and again. If all goes well, teachers will request the groundwater education program instead of you asking to present it.
Many published groundwater activities are available for use in schools. For example:
- USGS water posters
These colorful posters, including one on groundwater, have background information and classroom activities on the back. They are suitable for elementary, middle school, and high school levels. They also are available uncolored so that students can color their own poster.- Give Water A Hand
This youth program can be used in schools or as part of a project-oriented youth group such as 4-H or Scouts. The focus is on the entire watershed, including groundwater.- The Awesome Aquifer Club
Sponsored by the Groundwater Foundation, 4th and 5th grade classes work on groundwater-related activities all year and culminate the year by attending a Groundwater Festival. Teachers sign up at the beginning of the year.- EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water Kid's Page
Check out the games, activities, and age-specific experiments.- Drinking Water Week
One week every May is declared National Drinking Water Week. American Water Works Association, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235 (Phone: 303-794-7711, ext. 6284 or 800-926-7337).- Drink Tap - Water Information
Involvement in the public process
Awareness and education can go a long way to inspire people to take action, but sometimes that just isn't enough. That is where laws, rules, regulations, and permits come in. Most of these are covered in the Regulations and Agencies section of this Web site.
If your group feels the system isn't adequate to protect your community's groundwater, speak up. Go to public hearings, write letters to the agency involved and your legislators, or work with your local government to pass special ordinances.
Permits
Find out which facilities in your community are operating under a Water Quality Permit. Do some research, and if things don't look right, voice your concerns. Ask to be notified when the permit comes up for renewal. Prepare in advance for the public hearing so that you can present a research-based, logical argument instead of an emotional plea.
Start with the DEQ Water Quality Permits Webpage.
Local regulations
Many activities that could pose a risk to groundwater are managed at the local level though zoning or other regulations. Get to know your city and county government and how it works. Start by attending council meetings. If there are community or neighborhood work sessions on topics remotely related to groundwater, participate.
The people in local government are residents of the community. It's their groundwater, too. Make sure they have enough background on local groundwater issues to make informed decisions. Finally, propose specific new ordinances that you feel are needed to protect your community's groundwater.
Oregon Administrative Rules
State agencies carry out the laws passed by the legislature through a system of very detailed official rules--the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). These rules are written and revised by agency staff through a process that involves public hearings.
If you have concerns about a specific rule and its effectiveness (or any other groundwater-related issue), voice them to the responsible agency and get involved in the rule revision process.