These formations, called aquifers, are a vital natural resource with many
uses. Nationally, 53% of the population relies on ground water as
a source of drinking water. In rural areas this figure is even higher.
Eighty one percent of community water is dependent on ground water.
Although the 1992 Section 305(b) State Water Quality Reports indicate that,
overall, the Nation�s ground water quality is good to excellent, many local
areas have experienced significant ground water contamination.
Some examples are leaking underground storage tanks and municipal landfills.