One of the most common ways people are exposed to harmful toxins is by way of groundwater contamination. What exactly is groundwater and how does it become contaminated?

The EPA gives this definition for groundwater,

Groundwater is rain water or water from surface water bodies, like lakes or streams, that soaks into the soil and bedrock and is stored underground in the tiny spaces between rocks and particles of soil.

The city of Colorado Springs gets less precipitation (in inches) than the United States does on average. Our city gets about 16 inches of rain per year while the average rainfall for the entire U.S. annually is 36.5 inches. Our city gets much more snowfall (about 41 inches per year), which can also melt and cause groundwater. The city of Colorado Springs sees about 89 days of precipitation every year.

With a substantial amount of groundwater, there is a potential for contamination, but how does groundwater become contaminated? Water that pools up after precipitation can seep into the soil. Usually, this is how it becomes contaminated. The soil can contain harmful substances that mix with the water to form toxic groundwater. Contaminated groundwater has the potential to harm humans. If drinking water is collected from bodies of water that are contaminated, it can pose a serious threat to people.

Contaminated groundwater used for growing vegetables, fruits and other plants can cause the plants to become contaminated. Even contaminated groundwater used for bathing can be hazardous to humans. Although these cases are rare, they do occur. If you have developed an illness as a result of contaminated groundwater in the Colorado Springs area, please contact a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney at Clawson & Clawson, LLP. We also have offices in Parker and Pueblo.