Water Well Journal

February 2021

Water Well Journal

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YOUR HISTORY OF WATER Spend an afternoon walking the paths of the Greenbrier resort near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and it's easy to see why the spot has been drawing people to it for centuries. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, the scenery is breathtaking any time of year you descend upon it. It's an amazing place whose story begins with visitors traveling there in 1778 to "take the waters." It seems a local woman said the area's waters were aiding her chronic ailments. And when someone says that, others are always going to see what those waters can do for them. So, what made the water different? The area had a spring of sulfur water bubbling up on the property where the resort stands today. Say what you want, but by the 1830s prominent politicians and businessmen were heading there every summer to drink and bathe in the waters. In the early 20th century, the property added a mineral bath department to handle those wanting to take the waters. Even today, the resort's spa—a place my wife has gotten to know well—still offer treatments featuring waters from the spring. I admit I had to smile when I found that out. I thought to myself that a good groundwater professional could probably help with the sulfur issue, but alas I have a feeling no one is going to be making any "rotten egg smell" calls anytime soon. I love that water is so front and center to the Greenbrier's history and the story the staff tells today. The springhouse is a popular stop for those walking the grounds and taking photographs. It's even decorated during the holidays with lights in the shape of water bursting from the well. I hope you're equally excited about your company's history. Many of you are from multi-generation firms whose families have been providing water—and treating it for hydrogen sulfide issues—for decades. Be proud of that. In fact, make it part of your pitch to customers. NGWA's Groundwater Awareness Week is March 7-13 and it is the perfect time to let your community know what you do and how long you've been doing it. Normally, I would encourage you to speak to a civic group, in front of a class- room, or at a library, but the COVID-19 coronavirus has probably halted those types of gatherings. So, go another route. Write an editorial for a newspaper. Record a short commercial for local radio stations. Don't let a pandemic stop you from promoting your water history. Hopefully, it will lead to customers descending upon you like it has for hundreds of years in White Sulphur Springs. Thad Plumley is the editor of WWJ and director of publications for the National Ground Water Association. He can be reached at tplumley@ngwa.org, or (800) 551-7379, ext. 1594.

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