Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
groundwater systems, this may take the form of a wellhead protection program. For
surface water sources, protection may involve elements of a watershed control pro-
gram.
Wellhead Protection
A state wellhead protection program is required for public water systems by the federal
Safe Drinking Water Act. Each state has established its own criteria and program for
implementing the federal mandate.
The details of a wellhead protection program are not necessarily included as part
of a water system plan. However, the water system plan should either outline and
schedule the development of a new wellhead protection plan or define projects that
are being implemented as part of an existing plan. Following is a basic list of items
that should be included in a wellhead protection plan:
An overview of the plan
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An assessment of how susceptible the well sources are to contamination
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A map and an explanation of how the wellhead protection areas are delineated
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An inventory of known and potential land uses and sources of contamination
within the wellhead protection area
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A spill response plan, including coordinating documentation for those who might
respond to emergency spills
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This information can then be used to devise a contingency plan in the event that a
source becomes contaminated and a new source of supply needs to be developed. A
spill response plan should include documentation of coordination with those who might
respond to emergency spills. Any efforts at regional coordination with other purveyors
should also be documented. Finally, the plan should define or include methods to
educate and notify the public regarding groundwater protection efforts within the well-
head protection area.
Watershed Control
Public water systems with surface water sources of supply are required to have some
measure of watershed control for source protection. Individual states have interpreted
this federal mandate differently. The extent of watershed control needed or possible
varies significantly, depending on the size of the watershed, ownership, land use, and
treatment. Because each watershed and water supply combination is different, each
watershed control program will be unique.
A complete watershed control program will not necessarily be included in a water
system plan. However, the water system plan should summarize any existing plans
and / or itemize and schedule the implementation of control program recommendations.
In general, a watershed control program should contain:
A description of watershed characteristics
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A map and description of ownership and land use within the watershed
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Watershed management and control plans
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