Drinking Water_Content Page_Source water protection

Source water protection

Source water protection helps prevent contaminants from entering sources of drinking water. It's the first line of defense to reduce the chance that contaminants will be in a glass of water from your tap. Source water protection avoids potential health risk and minimizes the need for costly monitoring, new wells or treatment systems that add to your water bill.

Source water comes from rain and snow that seeps into or flows over the ground before moving into water supply wells or intakes. Activities and facilities on the ground surface can contribute substances or contaminants that are carried by water flowing to the well.
Source water comes from rain and snow that seeps into or flows over the ground before moving into water supply wells or intakes. Activities and facilities on the ground surface can contribute substances or contaminants that are carried by water flowing to the well.
 

How to protect source water

Develop a local program

Planning steps for wellhead protection can also be used for surface water intakes.

Wellhead protection

The wellhead protection plan review checklist helps guide sound plan content and ensure plan approval before your new well goes into service. DNR has financial assistance sources available for actions related to wellhead protection.

Private wells

Protection and maintenance of a private well is the responsibility of homeowners. Learn how to protect your private well.

Technical assistance

Wisconsin Rural Water Association has an active source water assistance program for municipalities. Wisconsin DNR can help access planning data and useful sources of assistance. Your county or regional planning agency may also be able to help. The Center for Land Use Education (CLUE) has resources and learning opportunities for communities to help them make sound land use decisions resulting in a sustainable Wisconsin.

Source water protection action

Get in touch with counterparts who have successfully tackled the same challenges faced by your water system. 

CommunityActions
Chippewa CountyCounty-wide wellhead ordinance [exit DNR]
City of WaupacaLandowner agreements [exit DNR]
City of MarshfieldGroundwater Guardians [exit DNR]
Waushara CountyGroundwater Protection Overlay District ordinance

Learn more

To learn how your community can protect its drinking water supply through wellhead protection, watch An Ounce of Prevention: Wisconsin’s Wellhead Protection Program: