Wellhead protection is a community-based process focused on protecting drinking water from potential contamination. "Potential" is the important word here, because Indiana’s Wellhead Protection Rule (327 IAC 8-4.1) emphasizes prevention rather than correction of ground water problems. A team of citizen volunteers guides the process of developing and implementing a wellhead protection plan in order to effectively manage a specified area around community drinking-water-supply wells. Often this area, called the "wellhead protection area," includes agricultural land.

You may feel that you can’t take many more regulations. But wellhead protection planning can be a great opportunity for you to…

• Increase communication with your urban neighbors.
• Improve the public’s image of agriculture.
• Foster community spirit.
• Head off future problems, like urban encroachment on agricultural lands.
• Increase property values through good stewardship.
• Protect yourself and your neighbors because you will be playing a role in making decisions about the land and its uses.

You develop a wellhead protection plan by joining with fellow citizens to …

1. Build the community wellhead protection planning team.
2. Define and map the wellhead protection area.
3. Inventory sources of potential contamination.
4. Create a management plan for the wellhead protection area.
5. Plan for future growth and emergencies.
6. Educate the public about ground water and the need for wellhead protection.

Indiana’s Wellhead Protection Rule was passed in January 1997. Public water supply companies and the communities they serve must prepare a detailed plan for protecting the quality of the ground water they use as drinking water. Agricultural land usually means good ground water—good news for Hoosiers, because many of Indiana’s communities have agricultural lands in their wellhead protection areas.

In fact, part of your land may be in a wellhead protection area. It is important that you are aware of the process involved in completing wellhead protection plans so that you can be informed and get involved. You can take advantage of this opportunity to help plan for the future and protect the ground water.

Indiana’s Wellhead Protection Rule…

• Does not change any existing regulations on pesticides. Only the state pesticide review board can regulate pesticides.
• Does not mandate zoning ordinance changes.
• Does not apply to domestic wells or non-community public water suppliers.

• Encourages communication about ground water issues among concerned citizens.
• Requires a local wellhead protection planning team.
• Requires participation of at least one person who owns property in the wellhead protection area on the local wellhead protection planning team.
• Encourages the use of voluntary best management practices.
• Focuses on prevention—not clean up.

• Learn about ground water and your water source.
• Know what items on your property can be contaminants and make sure they are stored, used, and disposed of in a safe manner.
• Read labels and follow directions to minimize the possibility of contamination.
• Join the local wellhead protection planning team! After all, who knows your land better than you do?

• The Purdue Extension office in your county can provide you with information and resources on water quality protection. Look in the phone book under county government, or call 1-888-EXT-INFO.
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Ground Water Section, can provide information on Indiana’s Wellhead Protection Program. Call the Groundwater Section at 317-308-3321 or 1-800-451-6027, ext. 308-3321. Information is also available on the Web at <http://www.ai.org/idem/owm>.
• Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst are both voluntary, confidential self-evaluation programs for identifying potential pollution problems. You can get copies of either program from your county Purdue Extension office or by calling 1-888-EXT-INFO.
• The staff at your local USDA Service Center and Soil and Water Conservation District can provide technical assistance and cost share for certain conservation programs.
• "Safe Water for the Future" is a Purdue Extension program that provides resources on drinking water protection for individuals and communities. Call 765-496-6331 or visit our Web site at <http://www.ecn.purdue.edu/safewater>.