Importance of Ground Water in the National Economy

The use of water derived from underground sources by wells has increased greatly. Although ground water meets only approximately 15% of the United States' total water requirements, it is an important resource on which a large part of the population depends. There is no national ground-water problem as such, but there are numerous widely scattered problem areas, each differing more or less markedly from neighboring areas because of distinctive geologic and hydrologic environment and other local factors. Typical ground-water problems in six areas are reviewed, and the solution of each must rest on adequate knowledge of the character and capacity of the ground-water reservoirs involved, and on comprehensive planning for the best use of the available supply. It will be complex and expensive to solve many of the major problems, and practically all problems will require considerable public education and support to achieve adequate solution.