October 17, 2026
This week’s photo is courtesy of- Hydro Resources- Rocky Mountain, Fort Lupton, CO, USA.
Health Focus
Part 2 of 2: Cold Water
Yesterday covered what cold water does to the body. Today is what to do about it, before and after someone gets too cold.
Dress for the water. The National Weather Service puts it simply: "Always dress for water temperature, not for air temperature." On a 65°F afternoon next to 50°F water, the water sets the rules. Pack a dry change of clothes for anyone working at the edge.
Wear the life jacket. The National Weather Service says wearing a life jacket "significantly increases chances of survival." Fit matters: the Coast Guard says it should be snug and not ride above your chin or ears. Read the label, because not every device is designed to turn an unconscious person face up.
Stay dry when you can. Wet clothing keeps pulling heat after you are out of the water. Swap soaked gloves, socks, and shirts at breaks instead of working the rest of the shift in them.
When someone is too cold, act. Emergency steps come first, then CDC's warming steps:
• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Monitor breathing and circulation. Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
• Handle the person gently.
• Warm them slowly. Do not put them in warm water.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Get the person into a warm room or shelter. A running truck cab counts.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Warm them under dry layers of blankets and clothing.
• If medical help is not available right away, warm the center of the body first: chest, neck, head, and groin.
• Warm drinks can help, but no alcohol, and never give drinks to someone who is unconscious.
CDC is direct about the line you do not cross: if a person's temperature is below 95°F, get medical attention immediately.
Cold water does not give second chances. Dress for it, float in it, and get your people warm the minute they come out of it.
Key Takeaways:
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air.
• Wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Get them warm, get them dry, warm the core first.
• Below 95°F, get medical attention immediately. No alcohol.
Sources:
• National Weather Service: Cold Water Hazards and Safety
• CDC: Preventing Hypothermia
• U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety: Wearing Your Life Jacket
Industry Updates
Federal Waiver Sets Aside New Mexico Well Rules Along the Border
The Secretary of Homeland Security has waived the New Mexico Water Code and related state well rules for border barrier and road construction in part of southern New Mexico. The determination was published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2026, and took effect that day.
The waiver was issued under section 102(c) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which lets the Secretary set aside laws to speed construction of barriers and roads. It covers the New Mexico Water Code, two parts of the state's administrative well rules (19.27.1 and 19.27.4 NMAC), and a federal water-rights statute (43 U.S.C. 666). The scope expressly includes "designing, drilling, constructing, operating, maintaining, repairing, and plugging of wells." The project area runs along the international border in the U.S. Border Patrol's El Paso Sector.
Why it matters: Well construction, permitting, and plugging standards are normally set and enforced by the state. Inside this project area, the waiver sets those requirements aside for the covered work. New Mexico's Office of the State Engineer, which sued U.S. Customs and Border Protection over these wells in August, has called the waiver unconstitutional, so expect the dispute to continue. Contractors bidding federal work in the area should confirm in writing which standards govern the job.
Sources:
• Federal Register (Department of Homeland Security): Determination Pursuant to Section 102 of IIRIRA, as Amended (FR Doc. 2026-20233)
• Source New Mexico: State Engineer Denounces 'Outrageous' Federal Waiver of New Mexico Water Laws
USGS Maps Recharge and Nitrate Risk in Eastern Nebraska
The U.S. Geological Survey published a new report on October 9 mapping groundwater recharge potential across five focus areas in eastern Nebraska. The study (Scientific Investigations Report 2026-5056) used airborne electromagnetic survey data, which reads the geology from the air, along with recharge estimates and water-quality data.
The five areas face increased groundwater development, nitrate contamination, and possible expansion of rural water districts. Areas mapped with high recharge potential had higher median recharge rates than moderate and low areas. In till-covered areas, the authors found statistically significant differences in nitrate among wells in high, moderate, and low recharge potential areas. Low-potential till areas generally had lower nitrate and dissolved oxygen but higher manganese and iron. The report also identifies data gaps for future study.
Why it matters: Recharge maps like these help with well siting and treatment planning. The same ground that recharges fast can carry nitrate down fast, and tight till can trade nitrate for iron and manganese. This week's Knowledge Share covered recharge. This is what it looks like in the field. Use the maps as planning evidence alongside site-specific data.
Source:
• U.S. Geological Survey: Mapping Groundwater Recharge Potential in Eastern Nebraska (SIR 2026-5056)
Industry Events
Event Highlight: NGWA Groundwater Week 2026
Groundwater Week returns to Las Vegas December 8 to 10, the National Ground Water Association's annual convention and trade show for drillers, pump installers, contractors, and manufacturers. This year NGWA will offer two certification exams on Tuesday, December 8: the General Drilling Exam (10 to 11 a.m., check-in from 9:30) and the General Water Systems Exam (2 to 3 p.m., check-in from 1:30). Each exam is limited to 25 participants, advance registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. If you have been studying along with this series, this is a chance to put it to work. With 25 seats per exam and no walk-ins, registration has to happen ahead of time.
National Ground Water Association: Groundwater Week 2026
December 8 to 10, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada
Information and Registration: Groundwater Week 2026 | Certification Exam Registration
Oregon Ground Water Association: 2026 Fall Convention
October 23 to 24, 2026; Redmond, Oregon
Information and Registration: OGWA 2026 Fall Convention
South Carolina Ground Water Association: Fall Meeting Beach Blast and Trade Show
October 23 to 24, 2026; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Information and Registration: SCGWA Fall Meeting
Southwest Section AWWA: 2026 Annual Conference
October 25 to 27, 2026; Bossier City, Louisiana
Information and Registration: SWAWWA Annual Conference
Ohio Water Well Association: 2026 OWWA Convention
November 4 to 5, 2026; Newark, Ohio
Information and Registration: OWWA Events
If you have a conference, symposium, workshop, or water well related event that you would like mentioned, contact us at [email protected]
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