Groundwater Friendly Gardening

Well Water Program

Fertilizer Use

Apply fertilizer according to the plant's needs. Excess fertilizer can pollute groundwater and waste money.

DO NOT fertilize in winter.

Plants aren't growing, and heavy rains can transport nitrogen below the rooting zone before spring growth begins.

Use a mulching lawn mower instead of removing clippings.

Install backflow devices to prevent siphoning of irrigation water into the well or drinking water supply.

DO NOT use spray devices that attach to the end of the hose for fertilizer or pesticides due to backflow risk.

DO NOT store any chemicals in the pump house.

Accidental spills can reach the groundwater directly via the well hole.

Refuel all motorized equipment (mowers, tillers, chain saws, etc.) on a hard surface at least 100 feet away from the well.

Collect all petroleum products from oil changes and winter drainage of fuel tanks. Check with your local garbage company for proper disposal methods.

Take special care when using fresh manure in your garden:

It contains fecal coliform bacteria and nitrogen
Apply when plants are growing and able to take up nitrogen
For spring use, cover storage piles to prevent leaching by winter rains
Fall application is acceptable if adding uncomposted organic matter, such as shredded leaves or sawdust, because the process of breaking down the organic matter takes up the nitrogen
Prevent manure-contaminated surface runoff from reaching your well area

Install low-flow irrigation systems
Use drought-tolerant plants
Allow lawns to go dormant (brown) during the hottest part of summer; it will green up when the fall rains return

Consider potential impacts on groundwater and surface water runoff when: