Promoting Safe Use of Washington's Ground Water Resources

Washington State Ground Water Association (WSGWA) is a trade association for ground water professionals including drilling and pump contractors, employee drillers and pump installers, manufacturers and suppliers, technical associates, and others with interest in the ground water industry. WSGWA is dedicated to protecting, promoting, and educating the public about ground water.

Upcoming Important Events

2012 Campout Alert!

Check your mail! Sun Lakes Park Resort has changed their reservations policy. The 2012 Campout will be June 22nd and 23rd . Sun Lakes would like reservations now. They started processing requests October 1st. Sun Lakes must receive your reservation request to assign your spot.

Don't miss out on a cabin or RV spot. Fill out and mail your registration request today! Reservation requests by phone will be accepted starting January 2nd, 2012. Demand is high for this prime time so get your reservation in ASAP! Click here for 2012 campout details

Legislative "Day on the Hill" - RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER - New Date Thurs. Feb 16, 2012

Due to weather conditions WSGWA has postponed our “Legislative Day on The Hill” until Thursday, February 16th. The agenda will remain the same. Please give your Legislators a courtesy call to reschedule your appointment. If you reserved a room at the Phoenix Inn Suites please contact the hotel at 360-570-0555 to cancel your room (you will receive a cancellation confirmation) and make a new reservation. The hotel has arranged for the room block to be moved. Be sure to tell them you are with the Washington State Ground Water Association.

Join us in Olympia February 16, 2012 for our annual “Day on the Hill”. Join fellow ground water professionals in advocating ground water issues that impact “People’s Right to Water”. State Legislators need your guidance to effectively navigate Washington’s rural water concerns. Without our industry’s input our legislators can easily become confused and lost in the fast paced blizzard of decision-making that occurs each year during the legislative session in Olympia.

Building relationships with your district legislators creates a valuable communication avenue for your legislators to receive important input and perspective from a ground water industry professional who really knows his/her trade. Be in Olympia for our “Day on the Hill” February 16, 2012 to inform your district legislators or buddy-up with other attendees. Download agenda/registration.

Ground Water Awareness for Well Owners and Ground Water Professionals

Ground water protection education for both ground water professionals and well owners is one of our top priorities. Do you part to protect and manage ground water resources.

Protect ground water by:
•	Making sure pollutants cannot enter the underground aquifer through failed wastewater treatment systems (septic tank or drainfield), around well fields, or wellhead contamination.
•	Do not place pollutants, pesticides or hazardous materials near a well.
•	Keep a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between your well and kennels and livestock operations.

Preventative maintenance is essential and is usually less costly than emergency maintenance. It can prolong life of the well and the well equipment.
•	Test water for coliform bacteria and nitrates and anything else of local concern should be a yearly priority of well owners.
•	Inspect the water system to determine if the equipment is working properly, assure it is sanitary, and verify it meets local code.
•	Check the well cap or seal to ensure a proper seal is protecting the aquifer from insects and rodents. Wellhead flooding should also be noted.

Well owners: an annual water well checkup is the best way for you to do your part to protect valuable water resources. Contact a qualified well contractor or pump installer contractor to ensure problem-free service and quality water. Visit our member directory to find a water well driller or pump installer near you.

Do your part to protect our valuable ground water resource.

Learn more about membership, events, find a ground water professional, or contact us for more information.

Industry education
for ground water professionals

WATER WELL STEWARDSHIP
FOR HOME OWNERS
Determining Proper Water Well
Location and Construction