Join The Groundwater Foundation Today

Groundwater Foundation members come from diverse backgrounds and locations. From a water utility manager in New Hampshire to a rice grower in California, Groundwater Foundation programs offer useful information, and the opportunity to make a difference for everyone.

The quality of our drinking water is vital to the health of our nation and our world. Joining The Groundwater Foundation is taking a step toward protection, conservation and management of our groundwater. Membership forms are available here, or contact The Groundwater Foundation toll free at 1-800-858-4844 or 402-434-2740.

Become a member today.

Groundwater FAQ

Can the quality of groundwater affect my health and the health of my family?
Absolutely! Maintaining groundwater quality is key to maintaining our health and the health of the environment. The Groundwater Foundation helps protect you and your family's health by educating individuals about the practices that keep contaminants out of drinking water, and by helping people take action to protect groundwater locally.

Why is protecting groundwater so important?
Groundwater is hidden from view and as a result most of us simply take it for granted. But when we turn on a faucet, half of us get groundwater. Clearly, we want to consume water that is safe and healthy for us and for our families.

"It is because of people that we protect groundwater,
but it is only through people that we can do so!"
-Susan Seacrest, Founder of The Groundwater Foundation

What is groundwater?
Groundwater begins as precipitation that soaks through the soil and down into porous rocks and soils. Water bearing formations under the ground that can store and yield water are called aquifers. Wells pump groundwater to the surface where it is used by millions of people around the world.

Is there a problem with groundwater?
Unfortunately, groundwater contamination can happen. Carelessly discarded motor oil, pesticides, industrial solvents, commonly used lawn and home chemicals can move downward through the soil, causing contamination. Cleanup may not be possible, and if it is, groundwater restoration almost always carries a huge price tag. It’s much safer and easier to protect groundwater in the first place.

What can I do?
We all need to be careful groundwater stewards. Learning all we can and getting involved locally is a good place to begin.

How does The Groundwater Foundation help?
Groundwater Foundation programs are designed to help people understand the importance of groundwater. The Groundwater Foundation also offers programs and ideas for citizens everywhere to make a difference in keeping groundwater safe and plentiful!

How do I become a member?
Choose the appropriate membership level and submit your form and membership dues. It's as easy as that! You can join through our online catalog or join by calling 1-800-858-4844.

What are my payment options?
The Groundwater Foundation offers several membership payment options. We accept only US currency.

• Check or Money Order
  Complete the appropriate membership form online through our catalog and pay by Visa or MasterCard.
• It's Tax Deductible
  All membership dues and donations are tax deductible. The Groundwater Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization based in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. Federal Tax ID# 36-3413351.

Benefits of Membership

Becoming a member of The Groundwater Foundation means taking an important step toward the protection, conservation, and management of groundwater across the globe.

Benefits of Membership
At The Groundwater Foundation, we use innovative approaches to educate people and inspire action to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations. As a member you will make this happen, starting with the resources that we provide for you, our members:

• The Aquifer – electronic newsletter relates current groundwater issues, highlights community groundwater protection.
• The Recharge Report – monthly briefing on groundwater news, program updates, and hot links to cool websites.
• Discounts on Groundwater Foundation products and events.
• Access to groundwater information and resources on The Groundwater Foundation webpage, blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Most importantly, your membership dollars will be used to fuel The Groundwater Foundation's mission of groundwater education and protection. This mission is fulfilled through a variety of innovative and effective outreach programs, like:

• Youth-targeted programs teach important groundwater concepts and encourage youth to develop leadership and environmental stewardship skills
• Community-based programs educate citizens about groundwater and support a variety of community groups as they work to protect and conserve local groundwater supplies.

And remember, Foundation memberships make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events.

Programs Supported By Members

Your membership dollars provide support to one or more current Groundwater Foundation programs. Our many programs are designed to educate and motivate the public to care for and about groundwater. Some of the Foundation's flagship programs include the following:

Groundwater Guardian
Groundwater Guardian supports, recognizes, and connects communities taking action to protect groundwater. Communities enter the program by establishing local Groundwater Guardian teams. These teams implement groundwater protection activities, document progress and earn Groundwater Guardian designation on an annual basis. If you are interested in entering the Groundwater Guardian program, please call 1-800-858-4844.

"Groundwater Guardian has brought business, government, education, and citizens together to work on a common issue,
a common goal, and common solutions."
-Sharon, Groundwater Guardian from Fountain Valley, CA

Groundwater Guardian Green Sites
The Groundwater Guardian Green Sites program recognizes good stewards of groundwater by encouraging green space managers (such as golf courses, ball fields, nature centers, education campuses, parks, etc.) to implement, measure, and document their groundwater-friendly practices related to chemical use, water use, pollution prevention, water quality, and environmental stewardship.

The Groundwater Foundation National Conference
The Annual Fall Conference brings together a diverse audience, including representatives from Groundwater Guardian Communities, to examine a particular groundwater issue in-depth. Recent topics have included microbial contamination of groundwater and evaluating the impact of groundwater education programs.

Children’s Groundwater Festival
Founded by The Groundwater Foundation and held annually in Grand Island, Nebraska for 4th and 5th graders, the Festival has become an international model of hands-on environmental education for elementary students. The Festival concept has been adapted and replicated throughout the world.

The Festival influenced our way of thinking about water - helping us understand the importance of conservation and preservation." -Theresa, 4th grade teacher from Cozad, NE

LEAP Into Groundwater
LEAP into Groundwater is a project-based educational curriculum developed to engage students in learning about groundwater and taking action to protect their water resources. Designed for middle and high school-age students LEAP (Learn, Educate, Act, Protect) can be implemented in the classroom, during after school programs, or as part of any other youth group activities.

Awesome Aquifers (AA) for Science Olympiad
An event to compete in at state, regional, and national Science Olympiad tournaments, Awesome Aquifers challenges students groundwater knowledge and creative thinking skills.

Learn More
Learn more about these programs, as well as past and future Groundwater Foundation projects in the Programs/Events section.