Miscellaneous Urban Activities
Protecting groundwater
Well Water Program
Storm-water runoff, construction, abandoned industrial sites, pre-1940 cemeteries
Urban Runoff
Image
Contamination Evidence
- Detection of chemical, metals, nitrates, petroleum, or other chemicals in surface water or well water tests.
Causes
- Spills.
- Random waste disposal.
- Abandoned commercial/industrial sites.
- Motor vehicle emissions.
- Fires.
Prevention
- Public information and education.
- Street sweeping.
- Anti-dumping codes.
- Vegetated collection and infiltration basins for street and parking lot runoff.
- Clean up abandoned commercial and industrial sites.
- Proper cleanup of fire sites.
Construction Excavation
Image
Contamination Evidence
- Spills.
- Changes in color, taste, odor, or turbidity of water in nearby wells.
Causes
- Fuel and chemical spills.
- Road dust-control chemical runoff.
- Excessive and/or improper use of chemicals.
Prevention
- Spill containment and cleanup procedures.
- Follow recommended practices for safe use of fuels and other hazardous substances.
Abandoned Industrial Sites (e.g. Mining)
Image
Contamination Evidence
- (Potential) Dumping of wastes in inactive mining pits.
Causes
- Rapid infiltration of contaminants due to loss of topsoil filtering capacity.
Prevention
- Close unused mine pits by restoring topsoil cover (reclamation)
- Vigilance against waste dumping in inactive mining pits.
Cemeteries and Excavation
Image
Contamination Evidence
- Detection of high bacteria levels in nearby water well tests.
Causes
- High water table.
Prevention
- Avoid high water tables for burial sites.
- Use watertight caskets in cemeteries with high water tables.