A small collection about water from the NYS DEC...
National Groundwater Awareness Week
(Credit: NGWA/NYSDEC, 2023)
National Groundwater Awareness Week, an initiative created by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), is March 5-11, 2023. Now in its 24th year, this is an annual week of awareness, education, and advocacy focusing on our groundwater resources.
Groundwater Awareness Week serves as an annual reminder for water well owners to test, tend, and treat their private water systems. NGWA encourages annual inspections of private water systems by certified water well contractors to ensure systems are operating correctly and producing safe and healthy water.
Learn more about New York's groundwater resources.
Reminder: Water Well Contractor Program Registration
The DEC Water Well Contractor Program is currently accepting applications for the Certificate of Registration for the period April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. The application and payment may be completed online. Registration is required by March 31 each year for all water well contractors who drill or repair water wells in New York State. The on-site contractor must be certified for the work that they are conducting (well drilling and/or pump installation).
A Preliminary Notice must be filed prior to drilling a well and a Water Well Completion Report must be filed upon completion of water well drilling. For additional information, contact Water Well Program staff at 877-472-2619 or NYSWaterWells@dec.ny.gov.
Water Quality Management Planning Grants
DEC is accepting applications for the 2023 Clean Water Act Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning grants. Eligible applicants are regional public comprehensive planning organizations and interstate organizations. Applications must be completed and submitted through the New York State Grants Gateway Grant Opportunity Portal by 3:00 PM on May 12, 2023.
View DEC's Water Quality Planning Grants webpage for more details, including the list of eligible applicants, and to view the Request for Applications.
I...wanna be a lifeguard! I...wanna guard your life!
Lifeguard Positions
Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.
Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The qualifying procedure consists of two parts: a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills component; and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying location most convenient to them and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location.
At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:
- Be at least 15 years old;
- Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
- Successfully completed the New York State lifeguard qualifying procedure;
- Submitted a current New York State DEC medical form stating the candidate's physical ability to perform lifeguard duties;
- Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
- Completed a personal interview with DEC; and
- Attended a DEC lifeguard orientation.
For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.