FACT SHEET

June 1996

On October 8, 1994, new Safe Drinking Water Regulations were published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin which will affect public water system. The changes include information and requirements needed to permit a ground water source for certain public water systems. The regulations also modified the definition of "wellhead protection area" and provided the necessary elements for approval of voluntary local wellhead protection programs.

Wellhead Protection Areas

The new definition of wellhead protection areas (WHPA) establishes three possible zones of protection. Zone I is the immediate area surrounding the well which may range from a radius of 100 to 400 feet depending on the pumping of the well and the type of aquifer the well is pumping from. Zone II is a radius of 1/2 mile unless a more detailed delineation is performed to identify the surface area overlying the portion of the aquifer through which water is diverted to a well (capture zone) or flows to a spring or infiltration gallery. Zone III is an area which contributes water to Zone II which is significant to protecting the wellhead protection area.

New Permitting Information

For a construction permit, the information to be submitted in the hydrogeologic report for a well, spring or infiltration gallery has been more clearly specified in the description of the geology and the source aquifer. This information includes a more detailed aquifer test and water table maps. These requirements can be reduced for sources yielding less than 100,000 gallons per day. The only WHPA that is required to be delineated for the permit is Zone I which will be a radius around the well between 100 and 400 feet. Based on existing data, most wells will have a Zone I of 200 feet or less. In addition, the regulations require the submitting geologist to be in compliance with the Engineers, Land Surveyor, and Geologist Registration Law.

WHPA Zone I Requirements

All construction permit applications accepted after October 9, 1995 by the Department for a new or expanding community water system shall demonstrate the water supplier has ownership or substantially controls by a deed restriction or other acceptable means the WHPA Zone I. This is to allow the water supplier to prohibit activities within Zone I which could have an adverse impact on source water quality or quantity. Furthermore, the water supplier must not allow the storage, use or disposal of any potential contaminant within the WHPA Zone I. Chemicals used in the production or treatment of the drinking water. In addition, liquid fossil fuel storage is not allowed in the WHPA Zone I except for emergency power and heat for the water system and only where gas is not available. Liquid fossil fuel storage under these conditions within the WHPA Zone I must be carefully contained above ground.

Voluntary Local Wellhead Protection

A section in the regulations provides the necessary elements for approval of voluntary local wellhead protection (WHP) programs. Initially, local WHP program approval will allow the water supplier relief from some water quality monitoring. Local WHP programs will prevent contamination of the public drinking water source which will protect public health and safety. In addition, WHP programs will protect investment in the water system, prevent capital investment in drinking water treatment and ground water cleanup as well as protect property values. Technical assistance and support for developing a local WHP program is available from many sources.

For more information, please contact your regional DEP office or call the Division of Drinking Water Management at (717) 772-4018.