The countryside is dotted with old, poorly constructed water wells. Some wells are in areas susceptible to flooding and others are simply unprotected and open to the elements.
Many older hand-dug wells are present - some dating back to the pioneer era. These wells and many more like them represent potential pathways for surficial contaminants to enter the subsurface aquifers, resulting in groundwater pollution and deterioration of this important natural resource.
Source Water Protection - Groundwater Resources
To protect precious groundwater resources, wellhead protection zones (WHPZ's) are established surrounding major supply wells.
The extent of WHPZ's are determined by conducting groundwater investigations which include:
Example of pioneer-era hand dug well with field stone lining (still in use)
Example of poorly constructed dug well which is highly susceptible to surface contaminants
