What
is groundwater?
Many
people think of groundwater as underground lakes or rivers.
Groundwater, however, is simply water that is stored beneath the earth’s
surface within the spaces between rocks and sand or between fractures in
bedrock.
When
enough water beneath the surface is present in a
useable quantity, we call this an aquifer. Compared to water
in rivers and streams,  groundwater moves very, very slowly.
For
more information about groundwater, visit the National
Groundwater Foundation
Where does groundwater come from?
Groundwater, like all water on earth, comes from precipitation-rain and snow-which percolates through the soil until it reaches the zone of saturation. At this point, the water moves toward sites of groundwater discharge, such as lakes, local springs and oceans.
Groundwater Guardian Community
 For the 11th year in a row, Merrimack has been awarded official
Groundwater Guardian status from the National Groundwater Foundation in Lincoln,
Nebraska. This program recognizes communities who are dedicated and committed
to local groundwater protection to ensure a safe water supply for the future
of the community. Merrimack is the only town in New Hampshire awarded this
status.
What is the source of your water?
100% of Merrimack water comes from groundwater. Groundwater is precipitation that has soaked through the ground’s surface and is stored where there are open spaces between rocks and soil. This water is pumped from wells located in various parts of Merrimack and Hollis. Water from each well is treated on-site at each pumping station and distributed through a network of water mains to homes, business and schools.
Where to go for more information?
Merrimack Village District * www.mvdwater.org * 603-424-9241
NH Department of Environmental Services * www.des.state.nh.us * 603-271-3503
US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 * www.epa.gov/region1 *888-372-7341
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline * 800-426-2791
US Center for Disease Control (CDC) * www.cdc.gov * 800-311-3435
EASY STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Without
realizing it, you could be contaminating your own drinking water. Unfortunately,
contaminated groundwater is very difficult and expensive
to clean-up. Below are some ways to protect your drinking water. Remember
Ben Franklin’s sage advice, “An ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure”.
- Keep pollutants away from boat marinas and waterways
- Recycle used antifreeze
- Don’t dump into storm drains
- Homeowners can protect groundwater by properly sealing abandoned wells
- Take advantage of recycling programs to reduce the solid waste
- Install a Backflow Protection Device for commercial properties
- Reduce the amount of trash you create
- Do not overuse household chemicals
- Check your underground fuel storage tank (USTs) frequently for leaks
- Reduce paved areas
- Inspect your septic system every year
- Recycle used oil
- Reduce or eliminate pesticide application
- Limit the use of lawn fertilizers, and be sure to use only phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers
- Report any spills or illegal dumping in designated drinking water protection areas
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