Water Education - Planning and Zoning

Water Smarts cover Water Education

Water Smarts: A Homeowner's Guide to Mountain Groundwater
"Water Smarts: A Homeowner's Guide to Mountain Groundwater" is a public education booklet created by Jefferson County with the generous assistance of many local, state, federal and private organizations. Funding for the printing was made possible through the Clean Water Act, Section 319 Grant funds, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The booklet focuses on ground water issues in the fractured bedrock environment typical of Jefferson County, and the Rocky Mountains. Topics discussed include ground water hydrology, water quality, wells, septic systems, water rights, and lifestyle impacts. A "Questions and Answers" section as well as definitions and resources provide additional information. Throughout, you will find references to the Jefferson County Mountain Ground water Resource Study. This case study gives a "real-world" look at some of the concepts being presented.

water poster

Water Cycle in a Fractured Rock Environment Poster
Also included is a pullout poster entitled, "Water Cycle in a Fractured Rock Environment," that visually depicts many of the booklet's concepts.

Where Do Mountain Raindrops Go?
"Where Do Mountain Raindrops Go?" is a collection of kids' mountain ground water activities designed at the 4th to 5th- grade level.

Results are in for the Water Smarts Reader Response Survey
We conducted a reader response survey in August of 2002 to evaluate whether the Water Smarts booklet helped people to better understand mountain ground water issues. The 10-question survey asked individuals not only whether they found the booklet useful,
but also whether they would take action to protect ground water resources. Of the
respondents, 94% read the entire booklet and 90% found the water quantity and water
quality sections most useful; 41% said they plan to test well water periodically; and 34%
are already doing so.

Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:17 PM