The costs of preventing groundwater contamination are much less than those associated with trying to clean up contamination. What we do on our land can directly impact the quality and quantity of water available for use. In order to protect groundwater in highly susceptible areas the following Best Management Practices can be used:

1. Reduce nutrient input

Nutrients, particularly nitrogen, are soluble in water and can quickly infiltrate to aquifers and reach wells. Reduce nitrogen by limiting the application to the recommended amounts in a Nutrient Management Plan.

2. Change the timing and frequency of application

Nutrients applied in the fall are more likely to leach through the soil layers and into nearby aquifers over the winter. Consider applying nitrogen in the spring to maximize nutrient uptake by crops. More frequent, split applications also maximize crop uptake of nutrients and reduce the amount of nitrogen leached to aquifers.

3. Plant crops that require less nutrients.

Different crops require different quantities of nutrients. If possible, consider planting other crops that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, such as beans.

4. Decommission out-of-service wells

Wells that are out of service provide contaminants with a direct route to the aquifer, ‘short-circuiting’ the subsurface materials that act as filters for infiltrating water. A licensed well contractor should decommission old wells.

5. Upgrade and maintain existing wells

Wells that are poorly maintained can be susceptible to contamination from surface activities. Wellheads should be accessible at all times of the year for maintenance and inspection. Do not plant gardens around or on top of your well. Avoid spreading fertilizers or pesticides around the well. Make sure that all livestock are fenced away from the well.