The National Groundwater Association announced that it and 18 state groundwater associations from across the country have sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to consider utilizing water wells in any future infrastructure legislation. The letter outlines the important role water wells play in U.S. infrastructure and their ability to efficiently provide safe and clean water to rural and underserved areas.

NGWA estimates that more than 40 million people depend on water wells as their primary source of clean water. Most of these water wells are located in small, rural, and often times disadvantaged communities. And, while current infrastructure legislation proposes increased funding for small and rural public water systems, connecting to these systems is often expensive for both the community and homeowner.

State groups that have signed onto the letter include:

• The Groundwater Foundation
• California Groundwater Association
• Empire State Water Well Drillers Association
• Florida Ground Water Association
• Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals
• Indiana Ground Water Association
• Louisiana Ground Water Association
• Michigan Ground Water Association
• Minnesota Water Well Association
• Montana Water Well Drillers Association
• New England Water Works Association
• North Carolina Ground Water Association
• Ohio Water Well Association
• South Atlantic JUBILEE
• South Carolina Ground Water Association
• Texas Ground Water Association
• Wisconsin Water Well Association
• Virginia Water Well Association.