WELLHEAD PROTECTION (PROGRAM)

Programs intended to protect and preserve the quality of ground water used as a source of drinking water. A typical wellhead protection program will have a number of critical elements to include: (1) delineating the roles and responsibilities of state agencies, local governments, and water purveyors; (2) delineation of wellhead protection areas; (3) contaminant source inventories; (4) management options; (5) siting of new wells; (6) contingency and emergency planning; and (7) public participation. Typically, steps taken to protect and preserve the quality of a well are far less costly than actions necessary to restore a contaminated well.