Well Protection

Consideration of farming practices that may impact your well and groundwater quality.

How it works

To protect a well, take an inventory of farming practices like the mixing of pesticides and the washing and disposal of containers. Assess the risk of contamination from these activities and make the necessary changes. Making sure that the well is properly sealed from surface contamination by runoff will further protect your groundwater resources.

How it helps

• Protects groundwater from contaminants

Planning ahead

• Are soil conservation practices needed to divert runoff from the well area?
• Are necessary erosion control measures in place?
• Have you inventoried operations near the farmstead well?
• Have you properly closed and sealed all abandoned wells near the farmstead?
• Where is your well in relation to feedlots and the spraying, storage, and mixing of pesticides and herbicides?

Technical notes

• Mix farm chemicals and rinse containers a minimum of 100 feet from a well.
• Apply pesticides on days with minimal wind to prevent chemical drift into farmsteads.
• When filling a sprayer tank, use a device in the hose to be sure chemicals will not siphon back into the well.

Maintenance

• Keep an emergency chemical spill kit handy.
• Maintain any filter strips surrounding the farmstead or wellhead.
• Repair wellhead casing as needed.
• Repair cracks in concrete pads used for chemical mixing and loading or container washing.

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Last Modified:  09/10/2007