dbd-78.nd
 
March 1994
 
Ground Water Youth Guide
 
 
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Fargo, ND
 
 
 
 KEEPING TRACK OF OUR GROUNDWATER
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When we use groundwater, we affect the water cycle. Every time a well
is pumped,the level of water in the well goes down.This causes water
from the aquifer to flow into the well. Water in the aquifer is
replaced by the water soaking in from above.
 
In North Dakota the State Water Commission controls the use of
groundwater.They keep track of the level of water in our different
aquifers.This is done through the use of monitoring wells. Monitoring
wells are small wells that are not used to take water from the
groundwater for drinking, washing, or other human uses. They are also
used to sample the groundwater in our aquifers to see if it is safe to
use. There are over 8000 monitoring wells throughout North Dakota.
 
dbd-78.fig1.nd.gif
Figure 1.
 
Monitoring the water quality in your own well can be done by sending
in a water sample to the State Department of Health in
Bismarck. Regular monitoring of your well water helps you and your
family know if the water is safe to drink and use. All public wells or
water systems have to send in water samples on a regular schedule.
TXTEND
 
Funding for this publication was provided by the U.S.Department of
Agriculture Extension Service, under project numbr 89-EWQI-1-9006 and
the Nort Dakota State University Extension Service.
 
NDSU Extension service. North Dakota State University of Agriculture
and Applied science, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Robert J. Christman, Interim Director, Fargo. North
Dakota. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8
and June 30, 1914. We offer our programs and facilities to all persons
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap,
age, Vietnam era veterans status. or sexual orientation; and are an
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