Print this page Basics of Ground-Water Protection
Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired
Course Outline
This two-hour online course discusses the natural cycle that supplies the earth with ground water, describes its uses, explains how ground water can become contaminated, and examines ways to protect vulnerable ground-water supplies.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Sources and movement of ground water;
- Kinds of aquifers;
- Primary uses of ground water;
- Causes of contamination;
- Options available after contamination: containment, withdrawal, treatment, rehabilitation, and abandonment;
- Federal laws protecting ground water;
- Role of states in protecting ground water; and
- Actions at the community level that can be taken to protect ground water.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for civil, construction, and mechanical engineers in government and industry who need a broad overview of ground water protection issues as they arise in the local community and in industry.
Benefit to Attendees
A person completing this course will be sufficiently familiar with ground-water issues to be able to converse knowledgeably with specialists in the field.
Course Introduction
Ground water can be considered one of our “hidden” resources. It occurs as part of what can be called the oldest recycling program: the hydrologic cycle, which involves the continual movement of water between the earth and atmosphere.
Course Content
This course is based on the EPA document, “Citizen’s Guide to Ground Water Protection,” which was written in 1990 and re-published in 1999 with revised appendices. It is currently distributed on the EPA website.
Basics of Ground-Water Protection
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Course Summary
Ground water’s origins, storage locations, and public and industrial uses are described. Causes of contamination are discussed, as are physical and legal actions that are available to ameliorate contamination.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
http://water.epa.gov/drink/index.cfmQuiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
