National Ground Water Association Celebrates Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8–14, 2026

National observance highlights the importance of groundwater, promotes maintenance, and spotlights career opportunities in the industry

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is recognizing Groundwater Awareness Week (GWAW), March 8–14, a national celebration and observation dedicated to the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater.

Established in 1999, GWAW is recognized by hundreds of communities, schools, and nonprofit organizations across the country, all working to raise awareness about the critical role groundwater plays in public health, environmental sustainability, and the nation’s economy.

Groundwater provides drinking water for more than 44 percent of the U.S. population, making its protection and sustainable use critical to our water infrastructure. Each year, GWAW serves as a platform to encourage private well owners to test, tend, and treat their water systems, and to promote policies that protect groundwater quality and supply. Advocates across the country also use the week to highlight local water issues impacting their communities.

Building the Groundwater Workforce
This year, NGWA and its partners are placing special emphasis on expanding professional opportunities in the groundwater industry. According to the American Geosciences Institute, there are currently more than 135,000 open positions nationwide in geoscience-related fields, a number that underscores the urgent need to attract and develop skilled professionals.

Careers in groundwater span a wide range of roles, including water well contractors, hydrogeologists, groundwater policy advocates, and suppliers and manufacturers of groundwater technology. As consumer demand for safe, reliable water continues to grow, strengthening the groundwater workforce is vital to meeting national needs.

“If we’re going to truly protect this resource, it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck effort to build the next generation of groundwater professionals,” said Terry S. Morse, CAE, CIC, CEO of the National Ground Water Association.

“From well contractors and hydrogeologists to the people manufacturing and supplying the technology behind our water systems, we need more skilled professionals stepping into these careers to keep our groundwater safe and reliable for the future.”

An Annual Reminder for Private Well Owners
GWAW also serves as a reminder for the nation’s private owners to take proactive steps to ensure safe drinking water. NGWA recommends annual inspections of private water systems by certified water well contractors to confirm systems are operating properly and producing clean, healthy water.

Well owners can access free tip sheets, maintenance guidance, and a “Find A Contractor” tool at WellOwner.org, operated by NGWA with assistance from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. The website connects homeowners with certified local water well contractors and provides practical resources for ongoing well care.

For more information about private well maintenance resources, visit https://www.wellowner.org

About The National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
The National Ground Water Association is a not-for-profit professional society and trade association for the global groundwater industry. Our members around the world include leading public and private sector groundwater scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers of groundwater-related products and services. The Association’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association advocating for responsible development, management, and use of water.