WorldWide Drilling Resource

The Importance of Water Testing Adapted from Information by the National Ground Water Association A national study by the U.S. Geological Survey and the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control’s) National Center for Environmental Health, indicates 2.1 million Americans with household water wells may be at risk of harmful exposure to arsenic. Arsenic can enter the groundwater system through natural and man-made activ- ities. The primary source of arsenic in drinking water is from water flowing through arsenic-rich rocks and soil. It can also be released into the environment through nat- ural activities such as volcanic action and forest fires. Arsenic is used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semiconductors, as well as in agricultural applications, mining, and smelting. These activities can lead to arsenic entering groundwater by gradually moving with the flow of groundwater from rains, melting of snow, etc. Testing water for arsenic in areas where arsenic is a concern is an important strategy for private water well owners to safeguard the health and well-being of their family. According to the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), this study reiter- ates the importance of testing well water for local contaminants. Since contamination threats can vary from locale to locale, the association suggests contacting the local health department to determine which contaminants are of particular concern in the area. As a groundwater professional, remind water well customers private well water quality is not regulated by the government and private well owners are responsible for testing their water and taking action to keep it safe. Take this opportunity to explain the importance of regular testing. The study’s top ten states for people at risk for harmful arsenic exposure based on the size of the at-risk population are: 1. Michigan 2. Ohio 3. Indiana 4. North Carolina 5. California 6. Maine 7. Texas 8. Pennsylvania 9. Minnesota 10. Wisconsin NGWA has free educational tools available on their website including: • An arsenic web page • A short, online lesson • List of certified testing labs Visit www.WellOwner.org for more information IT’S BACK! The Atlantic Water Well Association will hold its first convention since 2012 on September 27-29, at The Holiday Inn Hotel in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. The event starts with a Meet and Greet Thursday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Seminars will be held throughout the day on Friday, plus there is a ladies program. The trade show opens at 5:00 p.m. with their fabulous grog and chowder being served in the exhibit area. There will also be a silent auction. The trade show opens Saturday until noon, to be sure everyone has a chance to view products and visit with vendors. Let’s welcome them back in a great way, with your attendance. For information and updates visit www.nsgwa.ca The 2018 National Drilling Association Convention will be held at the Bertram Inn & Conference Center in Aurora, Ohio, September 20-21. Thursday starts with a golf outing, or if you prefer, there’s the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame excursion. Just be sure to make it to cock- tails and visit with exhibitors at 5:00 p.m. This is followed by the president’s BBQ dinner, award presentations, and entertainment. After breakfast Friday, there are education sessions with breaks to see the displays and speak with representatives about their products. There’s also outdoor exhibits and presentations. Get all the details at www.nda4u.com Where are you planning to go? How about including these shows: Join WWDR See more events at www.worldwidedrillingresource.com online issue. 49 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® AUGUST 2018 WTR