Groundwater and surface-water systems are connected, and groundwater discharge is often a substantial component of the total flow of a

Gov. Bill Ritter has signed SB 52, which makes it clear that a final permit for ground water wells in a designated ground water basin is final.

Why are some wells contaminated and some are not? All wells are not equally vulnerable to contamination because of differences in three factors: the general aquifer chemistry, groundwater age, and paths within aquifer systems that allow water and contaminants to reach a well.

Wyoming is close to having its first new standards for water wells in more than 35 years. The rules are expected to take effect this spring or summer and would apply to all new residential, industrial and municipal water wells in the state. The rules would impose tougher standards to keep pollution and bacteria from contaminating groundwater.

Small wells on mountain lots are continuing to create headaches - both for the owners of the wells and the state Division of Water Resources.

The government is spending $40 million in federal stimulus funds to pull water from underground aquifers in drought-stricken California, even as evidence is growing that the well-drilling boom could degrade the quality of water delivered to millions of residents.

The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled a new national strategy to enforce safe drinking water laws in small, rural communities on Tuesday and pledged to redouble efforts to protect children from toxic water in schools.