Implementing Source Water Protection Programs in Texas

Abstract

The water that surrounds us lakes, rivers, streams, and aquifers makes up our drinking water sources. These source waters can be threatened by a number of potential sources of contamination, such as on-site septic systems, sewer lines, hazardous chemical storage, storm water runoff, and animal wastes. The determination of the potential or risk is a key component of the source water assessment. The Texas Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Program was promulgated as part of amendments to the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act and consists of two fundamental aspects: Assessment and Protection. Source water assessments determine a water supply’s susceptibility to contamination. Source water protection is the implementation of management strategies or practices to mitigate or eliminate risks associated with potential sources of contamination (PSOC). The assessments and protection plan are specific to each public water system, its source waters, and areas of concern which may impact source waters. The objective of this paper is to discuss the innovative methodology used to encourage development of source water protection programs and conduct source water protection activities for selected public water systems using groundwater as the water supply. The methodology includes both technical activities as well as educational and outreach efforts to encourage active participation in the program. This paper will document the process used and present the results of these activities in multiple communities.