Here’s a reader question that landed in my in-box this week: “Is ‘ground water’ is a good term to use or should I should find a substitute?” It’s a great question, with a complicated answer.

The good news is that the word “groundwater” doesn’t make many people defensive or suspicious, the way “land use planning” or “endangered species” do. It’s also not a complete head scratcher like “biodiversity” or “non point source.”

But the bad news is that many citizens are pretty vague about the connection between rain, groundwater, water bodies, and tapwater. Many could tell you what groundwater is — but not why it’s important. So if you tell these people “Rain gardens help recharge groundwater,” many of them will nod politely and think to themselves “How nice, so what?”

My hunch is that you will get a better reaction if you use the words “well” and “springs.” These words evoke the image of water coming back out of the ground, where people and animals can use it.

Thanks for the question! Good luck with your project!

Citations:

Delaware Residents’ Attitudes Toward and Behaviors That Affect Water Quality
Texas Water IQ: Water Conservation Quantitative Research Summary
National Report Card on Safe Drinking Water Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors
Understanding Environmental Literacy in America and Making it a Reality