Wellhead Protection Program

Wellhead Protection Program Brochure

Drinking Water/Wellhead Protection Program Newsletters

The Wellhead Protection Program was created by the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986. This program was designed to protect drinking water sources and most of the program elements were incorporated into the Source Water Assessment Program developed in 1996 and the Drinking Water Protection Program developed in 2003. One element of the Wellhead Protection Program not addressed by these two programs is Contingency Plan development by water systems. LDEQ provides a model contingency plan which includes the following elements:

• Public Water Supply Characteristics
  • Current Supply Source
  • Treatment
  • Distribution System
• Priority of Water Users During Water Supply Disruption/Emergency
• Short Term Replacement Alternatives
• Inventory of Available Equipment and Materials for Use in an Emergency
• Personnel Contact Plan and List of Telephone Numbers

All water systems that have a completed source water assessment (completed from 2000 - 2003) need only complete a contingency plan to have an approved Wellhead Protection Program. The contingency plan is filed with the local Office of Emergency Preparedness, as they may become involved with a water system in the event of an emergency loss of water, or other water system emergency.

In addition, Drinking Water Protection Area signs will be placed on the highways where they cross the boundaries of wellhead protection areas. These signs replace the Wellhead Protection Area signs that still remain on some highways. All of the signs will eventually be replaced.

More Information on Contingency Planning for Water Operators

• What you should know about contingency planning
• Contingency Plan form for ground water systems
• Contingency plan form for surface water systems
• Contingency plan form for combination water systems
• Water Operator Tips
• Earn continuing education credits

Useful Links

• Louisiana Rural Water Association - Training and technical assistance to water and wastewater systems
• Louisiana Department of Health - Operator certification, state sanitary code part XII (public water supplies), safe drinking water act
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - National primary and secondary drinking water standards

For questions or assistance in completing a contingency plan call the Drinking Water Protection Team at 225-219-3510.