DEP conducts assessments of the susceptibility of public water system water sources to potential sources of contamination. These assessments have been done in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Source Water Assessment and Protection Program and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The previously existing Wellhead Protection Program is considered the cornerstone for the assessment of ground water sources serving public water systems. The purpose for conducting the assessments is to educate the public and promote the development of local, voluntary source water protection. DEP offers a variety of support for municipalities, water suppliers and the public to develop these local source water protection programs.