| The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ's) Wellhead Protection Program works to identify and properly manage potential sources of contamination located near public water supply wells, offering a proactive approach to groundwater protection. The Mississippi Rural Water Association and MDEQ are utilizing an EPA national grant to develop Wellhead Protection Plans for 12 public water systems per year. Over 100 plans have been completed since 1994. |
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| General Information |
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- A wellhead protection area is the area from which a public water supply well or wellfield captures its water over a specific period of time. It represents the areas where management of potential sources of contamination will be emphasized to enhance groundwater protection.
- Common potential sources of contamination include:
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- Improperly abandoned well
- Waste water lagoon
- Illegal dump
- Leaking above ground storage tank
- Hazardous waste generator
- Septic system
- Improper drum and container storage
- Pesticide/fertilizer application
- Non-point source pollution run-off
- Leaking underground storage tank
- Livestock lot
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| Wellhead Protection Process |
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The following elements represent the basic components in the wellhead protection:
- Hydrogeologic assessments are performed and wellhead protection areas are delineated around public water supply wells
- Potential sources of contamination are identified within delineated wellhead protection areas.
- Local management plans are prepared to address the specific needs of each public water supply system. Contingency planning for emergencies is included in this process as well.
- Public hearings are held to educate the public on proposed management plans and to solicit comments.
- Wellhead protection management plans are implemented at the local level.
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| Managing Potential Sources of Contamination |
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Because over 95% of the public water supply systems in the state utilize groundwater for their drinking water source, most Mississippians are responsive to protecting such a vital resource if properly informed. Public education is emphasized as a critical role in the development of wellhead protection at the local level.
In a majority of situations, the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for specific applications can dramatically reduce the risk of groundwater contamination. |
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| Wellhead Protection Costs |
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| Public water supply systems can be saddled with enormous expenses in reacting to groundwater contamination events. Assessment and remediation costs for several of Mississippi's contaminated public water supply systems have exceeded $500,000. However, the MS Wellhead Protection Program was designed so that individual public water supply systems would not be burdened with significant development and implementation costs. With the state's direct involvement in the various components of wellhead protection, the actual costs to develop and implement the program are minimal. |
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| Other Helpful Links |
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| Mississippi Rural Water Association |
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| Contact |
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| For more information on Wellhead Protection contact MDEQ Groundwater Planning Staff by clicking here. |
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