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Ground Water
Ground water is one of
our major natural resources. In Nebraska, between 80 and 85 percent of
the population uses ground water as a drinking water supply. Ground water
is used for irrigation on approximately 7,000,000 acres of Nebraska land.
Ground water is also used by livestock, industry and in a multitude of
other ways. In many places, ground water discharges to the surface and
serves as the base flow for streams. Ground water's importance results,
in part, from its widespread availability and use. Although Nebraska has
a major ground water supply, there are areas within the state where large
withdrawals for irrigation have resulted in water level declines. As a
result of an increasing number of water quality problems, there is a growing
concern about protecting the quality of our ground water supplies, along
with conserving our available supply.
The Septic System Demonstration
Model
The Septic System Groundwater Model demonstrates how septic systems can
impact ground water. Constructed primarily of plexiglass, this model includes
a cutaway of a miniature home with plumbing fixtures that empty into a
septic tank, then into an absorption field. A lake, confining layer, artesian
aquifer and pumping wells show the interaction of the septic system with
the environment.
The "contaminants" can be introduced through the house plumbing
fixtures or injected at three points within the aquifer. Water is introduced
into the model using inverted quart jars at the ends of the model. Colored
water, when injected with a syringe into the toilet, tub, or washing machine,
shows how contaminants might move within a ground water system. A vacuum
pump is used to "pump" water from the two wells; one well is
in the unconfined aquifer, the other is in the artesian aquifer. Observation
wells show the ground water flow patterns as the wells are pumped. The
movement of "contaminants" toward a pumping well can be easily
observed.
The model is shipped in its carrying case, completely packed and ready
to operate with the necessary accessories, including a hand-operated vacuum
pump, flask to receive "pumped" water, water supply bottle,
syringes for injecting "pollutants," and an operator's manual.
Uses of the Model
The model can be used in many different settings. It is especially effective
with youth in school classrooms, for children's festivals, and with Boy
and Girl Scout and 4-H groups. Also, the model can attract significant
attention when used in conjunction with water educational displays. It
can be useful in presenting basic septic system/ground water information
to adult audiences in various types of meeting and workshop formats. Because
of the model's size, it must be used with relatively small groups.
The models are constructed
by the Biological Systems Engineering Research Development Shop at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, adapted from an original design by the
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. It takes 3 to 4 weeks from the
time the order is received for the model to be built. The model is 24
inches long, 12 inches tall, and approximately 2 inches wide. The weight
of the model with case is about 40 pounds.
In Nebraska, many Extension County Offices and Natural Resource Districts (NRD) have purchased
the models. Extension and NRD staff are often available to provide demonstrations
using the model. In some cases, the models may be available for loan.
Contact your local Extension or NRD office to determine the
availability of a model in your area.
Models built to reflect specific
site geologic conditions can be constructed on special request and at
additional cost. Please see the order
form for pricing.
For special models, unique
designs, or bid orders, please contact Wayne
Woldt, (402) 472-8656, for more information. For repairs or special
models, please contact Scott Minchow,
(402) 472-3916, for more information.
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