Groundwater Contamination

Abstract

Groundwater contamination is nearly always the result of human activity. In areas where population density is high and human use of the land is intensive, ground water is espe-cially vulnerable. Virtually any activity whereby chemicals or wastes may be released to the envi-ronment, either intentionally or accidentally, has the potential to pollute ground water. When ground water becomes contaminated, it is difficult and expensive to clean up. To begin to address pollution prevention or reme-diation, we must understand how surface waters and ground waters interrelate. Ground water and surface water are interconnected and can be fully understood and intelligently managed only when that fact is acknowledged. If there is a water sup-ply well near a source of contamination, that well runs the risk of becoming contaminated. If there is a nearby river or stream, that water body may also become polluted by the ground water.