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Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination
Fuel Storage Tanks
Leaking fuel can contaminate your water supply with hydrocarbons by penetrating
water distribution lines or seeping directly into your aquifer.
Prevention:
Design and construct a proper refueling area. Monitor your fuel tanks for
leakage. Practice proper refueling procedures to avoid spills. Be prepared to
clean up spills. See Module 12 "Other Resources", Farm Fuel Storage and
Handling.
Pesticide Contamination
The most common reason pesticide contamination of wells occurs is poor pesticide
handling in the area around the well.
The highest contamination risk involving field application is when the following
factors all come together:
•
persistent pesticides
•
high water table
•
highly permeable soils
•
high pesticide application rate.
Prevention:
Never fill sprayer tanks near a well. Always use a nurse tank to haul clean
water to the field for pesticide mixing.
Store pesticides properly, away from the well.
Properly rinse and dispose of empty pesticide containers.
Contamination During Maintenance
Wells can easily become contaminated with bacteria when pumps, piping and
equipment are laid on the ground prior to placement into the well or during
maintenance procedures.
Prevention:
Pumps, piping and equipment should be thoroughly disinfected before going
back into the well and the well should be shock chlorinated.
A better understanding of groundwater and wells is key to preventing
contamination problems. Use these preventative techniques to ensure that the
wells on your farm provide a safe water supply for years to come.
Fuel tanks must be located at least 50
m (164 ft.) from water wells. Buried fuel
tanks are a major environmental liability
and should be avoided.