Groundwater Source Protection

• Inspect Zone I areas frequently for illegal dumping or other prohibited activities.
• Post signs around the Zone I to involve the community in protecting the areas closest to drinking water sources. Fence the area to prevent unwanted access.
• Store water supply chemicals properly, ensure secondary containment is always used to capture any leaks or spills within the Zone I.
• Use propane or natural gas for backup power.
• Identify any floordrains in your protection areas and ensure their compliance with MassDEP Underground Injection Control regulations to prevent them from becoming a route for contamination to the groundwater.

Water Supply Planning

• Develop a Wellhead Protection Plan. For more information, see "Developing a Wellhead Protection Plan" http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/sourcewa.htm#ground.
• Plan for future water supply needs in your long-term and short-term planning. The sample Water Supply Business Plan is available on the web: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#dwguid
• Have an up-to-date Contingency Plan for providing adequate water in the event of temporary shortages.
• Have a current Emergency Response Plan. Assess the potential for releases at various points, develop communication protocols, specify spill response measures, and train water supply staff. An up-to-date emergency response handbook is available at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/systems.htm#emerresp.
• Develop a Land Acquisition Plan. Acquire land in your water supply protection areas, especially in the areas closest to your sources. Acquisitions can be accomplished by municipal and non-municipal water systems through conservation restrictions, land banking, land purchases and land donation. See MassDEP Model conservation restrictions: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/sourcewa.htm#ground.

Cooperation with Local Authorities

• Work with municipal planners to ensure they include you in the site plan review process on any developments in the Zone II. Take the opportunity to address water supply concerns at the initial stages of development.
• Work with the local Board of Health to target inspection of facilities within your Zone IIs.

Education

Provide information to residents, businesses and planners on how they can help to protect local drinking water sources and the locations of your Zone IIs. Fact sheets on protection are available at http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/sourcewa.htm#ground.

Printable version of this fact sheet:

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