Source Water Protection is a program that helps public water suppliers protect drinking water sources (stream, lake or aquifer) from contamination. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) is administering the program in compliance with 1996 amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Source Water Protection programs involve two phases for each of Ohio’s 5,600 public water suppliers. The first phase is collecting information about the source water, and the second phase is developing and implementing a local drinking water source protection plan. This plan protects drinking water from contamination at the source. The focus of a protection plan depends on the size and type of water system, but includes educating local residents and reducing the risk of potential contaminants to the drinking water source.

For private homeowners, there are some specific actions that will protect private wells:

Do

• Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, septic systems and hazardous substances. Check with your local environmental health office.
• Keep the top of your well at least 1 foot above ground. Slope the ground away from your well for proper drainage.
• Take care in working or mowing around your well. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well.
• Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report as well as annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.

Don't

• Put the hose inside a tank or container when mixing pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals to avoid back-siphonage into the well.
• Neglect old, unused wells. They provide a contamination pathway into the aquifer and should be sealed properly by a qualified well contractor.
• Remove the well cap except for servicing the well. A secure, locking cap is best to prevent tampering with the well.
• Pile snow, leaves or other materials around your well.
• Service your well without the help or guidance of a qualified professional. If you introduce contamination into the well, it also can get into the aquifer.

(Adapted from the American Water Works Association)