Wellhead Protection

What is Wellhead Protection?


Wellhead Protection is a way to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by managing potential sources of contamination in the area which supplies water to a public well. Much can be done to prevent pollution, such as the wise use of land and chemicals. Public health is protected and the expense of treating polluted water or drilling new wells is avoided through wellhead protection efforts.
A wellhead protection device protruding from the ground.

The Township's Wellhead Protection Plan

 
This plan is designed to protect the groundwater aquifers that supply White Bear Township's municipal drinking water wells. The plan identifies potential sources of contamination that could pollute local groundwater wells and enter the community’s water supply. The ultimate goal of this plan is help ensure that White Bear Township continues to provide its residents with a safe and abundant supply of clean drinking water for generations to come.

Wells can become polluted when substances that are harmful to human health get into the groundwater. Water from these wells can become dangerous to drink when the level of pollution rises above health standards. Fortunately, White Bear Township's water supply currently meets (and exceeds) all State and Federal drinking water standards. The Township regularly samples the water from their wells and provides an annual Water Quality Report to residents.

The Wellhead Protection Plan can only be successful if residents play a role in helping to protect the aquifer. To help us implement our plan, you can do the following:

•Help identify land uses and potential sources of contamination on your property (wells, tanks, septic systems, hazardous wastes, etc.). For more information on potential threats to our groundwater visit the Groundwater Foundation's website.
 
•Make sure any potential sources of contamination under your control meet local, state, and federal regulations. 

•Seal any unused wells on your property, according to Minnesota Well Code. See the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information. Owners of active wells should refer to the Well Owner’s Handbook for proper construction, maintenance and sampling information. 

•Use hazardous products only as directed and dispose of them properly when no longer needed. Visit Ramsey County's website for information on handling and disposal of wastes, including information on the waste collection facilities that are available to Ramsey County Residents.


•Practice proper turf management techniques and avoid over-fertilization of your lawns and gardens. Visit the Minnesota Department of Agricultural website for more information.


•Identify whether your property contains a Class V injection well. Information about Class V wells can be found on the EPA’s website. If you have a Class V well on your property, make sure you follow all EPA rules regarding these wells.


•Conserve water whenever possible. Lawn watering is one of the largest uses of municipal water during the summer months. Tip for conserving water, while maintaining a healthy lawn, along with other information on water conservation can be viewed on the Metropolitan Council's website.


•Report spills (or illegal dumping) of hazardous wastes, fuels, or chemicals to law enforcement.

 

For additional information view the Township's Wellhead Protection Plan Part 1 and Part 2.

Wellhead Protection Resources

 - Brochures

  1. MDH - Drinking Water Keeping It Safe For All Of Us (PDF)
  2. MDH - Sealing Unused Wells (PDF)
  3. What is a Class V Injection Well (PDF)
  1. What is Stormwater (PDF)
  2. Where Does Your Drinking Water Come From (PDF)

- Fact Sheets

  1. Backyard Practices (PDF)
  2. Help Protect Local Drinking Water Supplies (PDF)
  3. Household Hazard Waste (PDF)
  4. Industrial Hazard Waste Management (PDF)
  5. Landscaping Around Wells (PDF)
  6. Lawn Care Management (PDF)
  7. Leaky Aboveground Storage Tanks (PDF)
  1. Leaky Underground Storage Tanks (PDF)
  2. On-Site Septic Systems (PDF)
  3. Proper Management of Class V Wells (PDF)
  4. Spills Can Happen (PDF)
  5. Unused, Unsealed Wells May Contaminate Your Drinking Water (PDF)
  6. Well Management (PDF)
  7. Would You Drink This Water (PDF)