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PROTECT THE WATER SUPPLY

Protecting the water source from contamination by surface water may eliminate water quality problems associated with animal waste, agricultural chemicals, and other substances. The adequacy of existing water source protection measures should be evaluated when bacteria, nitrates, or organic chemicals are found in the water. If the contaminant results from the characteristic of the area geology, it is not possible to protect the supply. The following discussion of well and spring protection is based on information contained in the Private Water Systems Handbook, (MWPS-14), produced by the Midwest Plan Service. For more information on how to protect springs, wells, ponds, or cisterns, or for details about private water supply development, refer to the Private Water Systems Handbook or the Manual of Individual Water Supplies, produced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Refer to the list of suggested references at the end of this bulletin for more information on these resources.