WELLHEAD PROTECTION AND LAND USE “It’s Cheaper to Prevent Contamination”

Common Naturally Occurring Problems in PA Groundwater White residue, dull laundry – hardness –Especially in carbonate (limestone) areas Reddish stains, metallic taste – iron –Common in sandstone / shale aquifers Black stains, metallic taste - manganese –Often occurs with iron Rotten egg odor - hydrogen sulfide gas –Very common in wells in certain shale formations Blue stains, metallic taste - corrosive water –Generally caused by low pH and soft water

Surface water Groundwater Moves! Barnyard, yards, dumps, mines, septic systems, etc. Aquifer Contamination Well Head Contamination Man’s Contamination of Groundwater Soil Bedrock Aquifer

X Keep activities at least 100 feet or more from wellhead or spring box Water Supply Protection Starts at Home! Septic systems Driveways Fertilizer Pesticides

Wellhead Protection Area Zones for Public Water Supplies Red = sources of potential contamination Zone III Zone II Capture Zone Zone I Ft Where is the water that needs protection? Zone II + Zone III = Area of Contribution

An Example of Wellhead Protection Zones for A Well High Influence Moderate Influence Low Influence

Wellhead Protection 100’ minimum

Coliform Bacteria A Common Pollutant Entering Around Wellheads and Spring Boxes “Indicator” organisms = indicate the “potential” for disease-causing bacteria (E. coli is an example) One of the most common problems, occurs in ~50% of private wells and springs Can enter wells and springs from surface runoff, human/animal waste, insects, etc. May also occur from poor construction or aquifer contamination

BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION TYPICALLY LOCALIZED, WELLHEAD ISSUE 33% exceed drinking water standard

Seal the spring box to prevent insects, animals and surface contamination

Photo by Tom McCarty Don’t Get Carried Away !

LAND USE IMPACTS GROUNDWATER Industry Organics, Petroleum Agriculture Bacteria, Nitrate, Pesticides Mining Metals, pH Landfills Organics, ? Roads Chloride, Sodium Houses Bacteria Nitrate Sediment Yard Chemicals Gas Drilling Barium, chloride, TDS

How Close do Activities Need to Be? In general, homeowners should be concerned about activities that are visible from their home In limestone or gravel aquifers, activities further from the home could be important

Example of Land Use Impact Nitrate-N in Water Wells 4% exceed drinking water standard

Iron, Sulfate Are More Common Near Mining Percent Above Standard Region of PA

Impervious surfaces reduce groundwater recharge “Groundwater mining” may occur where more water is withdrawn than recharges Land Use Can Also Affect Water Quantity

Photo: Purdue Extension Service May serve as a pathway for future contamination of groundwater Should be plugged by a licensed well driller Graphic: North Dakota State Univ. Abandoned Water Wells

Homeowner Actions Practice local wellhead protection on their property Be aware of current and proposed land use surrounding their property Test water annually for pollutants associated with current or proposed land uses (legal protection)