Groundwater Protection

Communities can take proactive measures to protect their vital groundwater resources. An important first step is to conduct a survey of existing wells and then identify and map potential sources of contamination, such as poorly functioning septic tanks, manure leaching into groundwater, and informal dumps. If possible, another key piece of information to collect is the location of groundwater recharge areas. Although it requires groundwater professionals to develop maps identifying recharge areas, municipalities may wish to hire those individuals to perform that work. With groundwater information, the community can develop and implement a plan of action.

Some tools that communities can use to protect groundwater resources include:
1) zoning restrictions, such as setbacks, buffers, and overlay districts,
2) land acquisition and easements,
3) septic system maintenance education programs,
4) wellhead protection signs,
5) monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites, and
6) well drilling standards and reporting.Approximately 45% percent of Tompkins County's residents rely on groundwater for their drinking water supply.

Unlike surface water, which flushes contaminants downstream relatively quickly, groundwater migrates slowly and can take decades to move from the point of origin to the point of discharge. Once contaminated, groundwater is very difficult to purify and oftentimes remediation is not technologically or economically feasible, especially for small or rural communities.