Get the Kids Excited About Groundwater in California This Summer!

It’s that point in the summer, about halfway through summer break, when your kids start to come to you and say something like, “I’m bored!” or, “There’s nothing to do!” If you are a parent, you know exactly what we are talking about. Well, before you rack your brains too hard trying to think of an exciting, new summer activity to engage your kids, consider this: groundwater.

Okay, we get it. Your first reaction may be, “Why in the world would my kids be interested in groundwater?” but hear us out. We may be biased as your local source for groundwater surveys in California, but we truly believe that groundwater can be a fun and interesting topic for everyone. There’s actually a lot of fun and creative things you can do that are centered around groundwater, not to mention the environmental benefits that may come with educating our children about this important resource.

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is rainwater or water from melting snow that is stored in aquifers deep underground. Groundwater in California is an important resource, providing more than 50 percent of our state’s drinking water, and it is also used heavily to irrigate crops. During times of drought, in particular, groundwater has been a lifeline for our state. Smart management of this resource is essential to our environment, which is why it’s important for kids to learn about and get involved in it at an early age.

How can you educate your kids about groundwater?

One of the best things we can do to help manage and preserve our groundwater resources is educate our communities, particularly our children. There are lots of fun and interesting ways you can do this at home, with your community or with your child’s school. Here are some ideas:

• Build your own aquifer: Have fun with water—and teach your kids about aquifers, too—by building your own aquifer, either with your own materials at home or by purchasing an aquifer kit.
• Read about it: There are lots of fun and interesting books on groundwater for all ages. Just visit your local library and you can find books related to groundwater that you and your child can read all summer long.
• Get involved: There are lots of fun ways you and your kids can help preserve groundwater, such as by talking about recycling, picking up litter or making small changes to go green as a family!
• Plan to go to the festival: The groundwater festival, “Treasure Beneath Our Feet,” is a great way to join the community to engage in activities and learn about this precious resource. The next annual festival will be May 4, 2019, so save the date!

At National Groundwater Surveyor Inc., your local source for groundwater surveys in California, we know firsthand how important this resource is, which is why we encourage you to have some fun with your kids this summer and learn about groundwater. For more tips, get in touch with one of our experts today!