Well Protection
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Preserving Domestic Water Supplies
Changing farming practices near the farmstead to reduce the risk of contaminating water sources, particularly domestic water supplies.
Description
The way materials are handled near a water supply and the distance of possible contaminants from a well or other water source can have a dramatic effect on the quality of drinking water on the farm. If pesticides are typically mixed near the well, the risk of contaminating the drinking water supply increases. To protect wells from contamination, take an inventory of farming practices, including pesticide mixing, container washing, and disposal methods. Follow up by assessing the risk of contamination and making needed changes.
Benefits
- Farm modifications may improve efficiency and reduce operating and production costs.
- The drinking water supply and other water resources will be protected from contamination.
Planning
- Are soil conservation and water quality practices in place?
- Has an inventory of activities near the farmstead been completed?
- have all abandoned wells near the farmstead been properly closed and sealed?
Tech Notes
- Soil conservation practices may be installed to divert runoff from the well area.
- Mix farm chemicals and rinse containers a minimum of 100 feet from a well.
- Apply pesticides on days with minimal wind to prevent chemical drift into farmstead areas.
- Use a backflow device in the hose when filling a sprayer tank to be sure chemicals will not siphon back the well.
Maintenance
- Keep an emergency chemical spill kit handy.
- Maintain filter strips surrounding the farmstead or wellhead.
- Repair wellhead casing, as needed.
- Repair cracks in concrete pads used for chemical mixing, loading, or container washing.