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IDEM > Your Environment > Source Water Protection - Drinking Water Source Water Protection - Drinking Water

Introduction

The goal of the IDEM Ground Water Section is to protect and assess Indiana's source water. The ground water Section provides guidance for public water systems in establishing Wellhead Protection Plans, Source Water Assessment Plans, as well as providing guidance to private well owners.

When public water systems assess the drinking water source(s), they can increase both water system and community awareness about possible contamination of the public water supply. Such assessments also provide the means to identify potentially significant causes of contamination for the benefit of the public water systems and the protection of the public health. By identifying potential sources of contamination and using voluntary management of source water areas, communities and water systems may prevent future contamination of source water. They may also avoid the additional water treatment costs associated with cleaning up a contaminated water supply and/or the cost of finding an alternate source of water. Through these efforts we strive to protect Indiana's surface and ground water resources for future generations.

Table of Contents

Source Water Protection Workshop (2012)

Resources for Pesticides and Nutriends in Source Water:

Top 10 Ways You Can Protect Ground Water

  1. Dispose of chemicals properly. Do not pour chemicals down drains!
  2. Take used motor oil to a recycling center.
  3. Limit the amount of fertilizer and pesticides used on gardens and lawns.
  4. Properly abandon unused wells or cisterns.
  5. Dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
  6. Remove abandoned fuel oil and gasoline tanks properly.
  7. Keep septic systems well maintained.
  8. Report illegal dumping.
  9. Minimize the use of de-icers.
  10. Get involved in water educational programs.

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