Home, Garden, and Automotive Chemicals

Protecting groundwater

Well Water Program

House and Garden Chemicals

Contamination Evidence

  • Detection of chemicals in well water tests.

Causes

  • Improper use of storage.
  • Improper disposal in backyard, ditches, low ground, septic systems, and overgrown ditches.

Prevention

  • Proper use.
  • Public information and education.
  • Provide local disposal facilities for unused chemicals and chemical containers.
  • Encourage use of less hazardous products.

 

Deicing Salts

Contamination Evidence

  • Salty taste in well water.
  • High chloride level in well water tests.

Causes

  • Runoff from salt storage piles and highways.

Prevention

  • Proper protection of salt storage
  • Minimize use of salt.
  • Use alternative deicing materials.