treasures of the reserve
Sustaining our Water
Insights from the Community Survey and Best Practices for Residents
By Abby Mann
Groundwater is an unseen yet essential resource, quietly sustaining communities, farms and ecosystems. In previous issues of PLENTY, we explored the importance of the Piedmont Sole Source Aquifer( SSA) and the role it plays in the health of our region. Now, with survey data in hand and ongoing outreach efforts underway, we have a clear picture of the concerns residents have— and what steps can be taken to ensure a sustainable water future.
Over 80 percent of community residents reported testing and inspecting their wells, yet fewer than 20 percent conduct annual inspections as recommended.
The Good Gift Campaign, Protecting Our Resources
The Good Gift Campaign is on a mission to protect groundwater resources in central Maryland’ s rural communities through education, community, engagement and action. We envision a community where every resident, business and farm collaborate to sustainably manage and protect our vital groundwater resources.
Thanks to a funding grant from Heritage Montgomery, we are bringing an interactive environmental experience to our future water stewards. Our 3-D Enviroscape model allows youth to see firsthand how water moves to our homes, the pathways pollution can
Survey Findings: What We Learned
Montgomery Countryside Alliance conducted a community survey to better understand public awareness, concerns, attitudes and practices related to water usage and conservation. With over 300 respondents, the results revealed a strong interest in groundwater issues and highlighted several key concerns:
Top well concerns over the past 12 months
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Contaminants Sedimentation Diminished supply
Long-term concerns about groundwater
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Depletion of Groundwater Overuse of Water Resources Contamination Agricultural Runoff Impacts from Construction and New Development PFAs( forever chemicals) Pollution Groundwater education in action! Hands-on learning with the 3-D Enviroscape ® watershed model.
36 plenty I spring sowing 2025