Developing a farm wellhead protection plan

Groundwater drawn from private wells is usually the only drinking water supply for farm and other rural use. Farmers have a personal interest and valuable role in ensuring that their actions and land-use activities within their property boundaries do not impair the quality or quantity of recharge to their water supplies. A farm wellhead protection plan can be used to help manage and protect groundwater supplies within the farm boundary. Widespread adoption of this approach can also result in a cumulative benefit to the community. This paper describes a risk assessment approach that can be used to develop and implement a farm wellhead protection plan. This plan addresses farm-specific concerns, such as nutrient management, as well as concerns common to both farm and non-farm Situations, such as fuel storage and maintaining well yield.