Topic outline

  • EPA: Basics of Groundwater Protection

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Approximately half of all Americans depend on ground water for household water use. Many agricultural and industrial activities also depend heavily on ground water supplies. Given the importance of ground water for the nation, a basic understanding of the principles of ground-water protection is necessary for engineers involved in governmental and industrial actions affecting ground water. The present course introduces the sources of ground water, lists its primary uses, discusses the many possible sources of contamination, explains options available after contamination has occurred, and briefly outlines how federal and state laws are used to protect ground water.

    Topics:

    • Sources and movement of ground water
    • Kinds of aquifers
    • Primary uses of ground water
    • Causes of contamination
    • Options available after contamination: containment, withdrawal, treatment, rehabilitation, and abandonment
    • Federal laws protecting ground water
    • Role of states in protecting ground water
    • Actions at the community level that can be taken to protect ground water

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: for engineers in government and industry needing a broad overview of ground water protection issues as they arise in the local community and in industry.
    Publication Source: US Environmental Protection Agency

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1