DESCRIPTION

The Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) is a nonprofit (501(c)3) organization whose members consist of state and federal ground water agencies, industry representatives, environmentalists and concerned citizens, all of whom come together within the GWPC organization to mutually work toward the protection of the nation’s ground water supplies. The purpose of the GWPC is to promote and ensure the use of best management practices and fair but effective laws regarding comprehensive ground water protection. Mission Statement and Goals The mission of the GWPC is to promote the protection of water resources for all beneficial uses and to provide independent research and objective information related to potential ground water contamination and pollution prevention practices. The GWPC is committed:

1. To prevent ground water contamination and protect vulnerable aquifers by promoting the development and implementation of adequate protective measures including underground injection waste water discharge and land application practices.
2. To promote the utilization of appropriate ground water remediation technology.
3. To promote the conservation of ground water resources.
4. To influence regional, national, and international policy on ground water resource issues.
5. To provide leadership through forums, educational opportunities and active participation by local, state and federal governments, industry, academia and other parties interested in responsible protection and management of ground water resources.
6. To conduct research into tools, methodologies and techniques to protect clean ground water and remediate contaminated ground water.

SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES

With financial support from the U.S. EPA, States and Industry, the GWPC is implementing an ongoing program that promotes comprehensive ground water protection at the federal, state, and local levels. Results of this ongoing project include:

1. A comprehensive examination and analysis of regional ground water quality and of the states' ground water protection underground injection control programs;
2. Setting up an ongoing communication and technical assistance network for managers/staff of state programs with ground water protection responsibilities;
3. The development of a World Wide Web home page which makes ground water protection techniques available via the information superhighway;
4. The bimonthly publication of The Ground Water Communique
5. Periodic distribution via E-mail and FAX of Washington Ground Water Facts;
6. Training manuals, workshops and seminars;
7. The development and distribution of numerous outreach brochures and guidance documents; and
8. Two national meetings a year (one in Washington, D.C. and one located in various parts of the country).

AREA OF CONCENTRATION

Ground Water, Watershed, Wellhead Protection, Underground Injection

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF ACTIVITES

National

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION

National, government, research, nongov.