Seven Components of Wellhead Protection
Seven components are recommended for a wellhead protection program to be considered adequate and complete by DENR, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These seven components to be addressed by the local program include the following:
 

Component 1: Specify Duties of State and Local Governments.


This component identifies all state and local entities that may have a role in the protection of the water supply.

 

Component 2: Delineate Wellhead Protection Areas.


This component describes the wellhead protection area, which is the specific area around the well or wellfield that is to be protected for ground water quality. The wellhead protection area can be delineated according to a method or combination of methods described in the South Dakota Wellhead Protection Guidelines or another technically sound method approved by DENR. The areal extent of a wellhead protection area and locations of individual wells are best illustrated on a topographic map at a 1:24,000 scale (a standard United States Geological Survey topographic quadrangle)
 

Component 3: Identify Potential Contaminant Sources.


Potential contamination sources in the wellhead protection area are to identified and included in this element of the Wellhead Protection document. Information for each source, such as the street address and legal location, the physical, chemical and biological properties of the potential contaminants, the distance from the well/wellfield, and the nature of the contaminant, should be included.

 

Component 4: Develop Management Approaches.


This component describes the management approaches that can be adopted and implemented to protect the water supply.

 

Component 5: Develop Contingency Plans.


Despite adequate protection measures, emergencies may happen that threaten the public water supply; this component details emergency procedures and alternate water sources in the event of service interruption, water quality problems or threat of water quality problems.

 

Component 6: Plan for New Wells.


A complete wellhead protection program includes plans for the development and use of new wells. This component describes the precautions to be taken to prevent contamination in the event or expansion of current water use by the water supplier, and identifies the delineation method to be used for the new supply.
 

Component 7: Implement Public Participation.


This component describes the methods of public involvement, communication and education in the development and implementation of a wellhead protection program. The local government should show the extent to which the public was involved in the wellhead protection program development.

For more information on SD Wellhead Protection Program, please contact Tom Brandner  at (605) 773-3296.