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What is Groundwater?

Groundwater is water that fills the small spaces between rock particles (sand, gravel, etc.) or cracks in solid rock.  Rain, melting snow, or surface water becomes groundwater by seeping into the ground and filling these spaces. The top of the water-saturated zone is called the "water table".  When water seeps in from the surface and reaches the water table, it begins moving towards points where it can escape, such as wells, rivers, or lakes.  An aquifer is any type of geologic material, such as sand or sandstone, which can supply water to wells or springs.  The groundwater, which supplies wells, often comes from within a short distance (a few miles) of the well. How fast groundwater moves depends on how much the well is pumped and what type of rock particles or bedrock it is moving through.

What is Wellhead Protection?

 Most people in Southwestern Minnesota get drinking water from wells.  Wellhead Protection is a way to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by managing possible sources of contamination in the areas which supply water to a public wells.  Wellhead Protection involves activities and strategies to protect source water; and will be an ongoing need for Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water, its customers, participating agencies and everyone within the region.  Everyone has an important part to play in protecting drinking water wells - today and for the future.

Why do wells sometimes become polluted?

 Wells become polluted when substances that are harmful to human health get in the groundwater. Water from these wells can be dangerous to drink when the level of pollution rises above health standards. Many of our everyday activities can cause pollution. Much can be done to prevent pollution, such as wise use of land and chemicals. The cost of treating polluted water or drilling new wells is high, but can be avoided. Help avoid drinking water contamination by being an environmentally aware citizen.

How is a Wellhead Protection Plan Implemented?

 Action strategies were developed locally to protect the drinking water supply of our customers and are identified in the Wellhead Protection (WHP) Plan. Steps to implementing a WHP Plan include:

1. EDUCATE the citizenry about what Wellhead Protection is through brochures, media and local events.

2. Create AWARENESS about local groundwater conditions and how the drinking water supply can be protected.

3. Citizens will take OWNERSHIP in how their actions can impact the public water supply.

4. Citizens will then support and adopt voluntary changes in LAND USE that will help protect drinking water supplies.

What can you do to help implement a plan?

• Volunteer to serve on work groups and at educational events.
• Help identify land uses and possible sources of contamination on your property.
• Recognize and manage possible sources of contamination on your property.
• Use hazardous products as directed and dispose of them properly.
• Conserve water