Risk to Groundwater

An adequate water supply is a necessity for any home.  It must provide quality water at a constant and dependable rate. Groundwater supplies 90 per cent of water in rural areas for both domestic use and livestock watering.  Harmful bacteria, nitrate, and crop protection chemicals have been detected in some groundwater wells. 

Pesticide contamination of groundwater is primarily due to carelessness around the farm well.

Application rates for nutrients, both commercial fertilizer and manure, must be determined with more than just crop yield in mind. Equal consideration should be given to possible damage to both groundwater and surface water from leaching and run-off.

Many streams and wetlands are fed by groundwater. Taking large amounts of groundwater for irrigation or livestock facilities can lower water levels in watercourses, wetlands and water wells.

Best Management Practices: A First Look