Wellhead Protection

What is Wellhead Protection?

Wellhead protection (WHP) is a means of protecting public water supply wells by preventing contaminants from entering the area that contributes water to the well or well field over a period of time. The WHP area is determined by using geologic and hydrologic criteria, such as the physical characteristics of the aquifer and the effects which pumping has on the rate and direction of groundwater movement. A management plan is developed for the WHP area that includes inventorying potential sources of groundwater contamination, monitoring for the presence of specific contaminants, and managing existing and future land and water uses that pose a threat to groundwater quality.

Having a WHP plan provides owners of public water supply wells with an exceedingly useful tool that can be used to provide a safe drinking water supply to their customers; the long-term goals are beneficial to all the residents of MN.

These goals are to:

• Reduce the use of costly treatment facilities

• Avoid the drilling of new wells

• Avoid the need to clean up contaminated groundwater

Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMA):

WHP Plans:

City of Mahnomen link: WHP PLAN