Groundwater

1. You can find groundwater in an aquifer. When it rain or the snow melts, the water soaks into the ground to fill the spaces between sand grains, rock or gravel in an aquifer.
2. A pipe or well is put into the ground to collect the groundwater. The Region of Waterloo manages over 120 wells that supply groundwater to homes and businesses.
3. After the groundwater is pumped up the well it is treated and tested before going through underground pipes to your home.

1. In the winter, shovel the snow first and limit the use of de-icing salt
2. Report chemical spills
3. Set your water softener to the correct water hardness to reduce salt use
4. Reduce your water use by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky fixtures and using a rain barrel for outdoor watering
5. Return unused and expired medications to participating pharmacies
6. Only allow rain down the storm drain
7. Clean with "green" alternatives and natural options whenever possible
8. When using household chemicals, only buy what you need, use it up and dispose of leftovers safely and properly

Read the I Am Groundwater blog to learn about groundwater, the water distribution system and actions you can take to protect groundwater.

Through water protection programs, the Region of Waterloo is:

• Monitoring water quality of drinking water sources
• Supporting youth education through the Be Good To Your Water water education program and the Waterloo Wellington Children's Groundwater Festival
• Working with businesses to improve best practices to protect water quality through Source Water Protection Plan policies
• Supporting the Smart About Salt Council and other programs to reduce salt impacting groundwater

• Infographic: groundwater aquifer
• Infographic: journey of water to your tap and back
• Learn at home videos and activities for students
• Resources for teachers
• Activity sheet and colouring page
• Video (hands-on activity): Make an editable aquifer ice cream treat (WWCGF)
• Video (storybook): Listen to Wally and Deanna's Groundwater Adventure (University of Waterloo)