Wellhead Protection Program
What is the Wellhead Protection Program?
The Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) provides the community
with a proactive plan for protecting our drinking water supply and
is enforced by the Wellhead Protection Ordinance (WHPO). This ordinance
was designed and approved to protect the public water supply by
identifying threats in areas where groundwater is vulnerable to
contamination. A "Wellhead Protection Zone" has been identified
as the area whose ground water has the greatest potential to be
negatively impacted from activities conducted on the surface above
it. Leaking septic tanks, improper use of pesticides/fertilizer,
abandoned wells, underground/above ground storage tanks and uncontained
spills of gasoline, oil or chemicals are examples of activites that
could adversely impact our community's water supply. The WHPP/WHPO
provides the community with a contaminant source inventory of the
“Wellhead Protection Zone”, strategies to protect the groundwater
supply, a contingency plan and a plan to educate community members
about the importance of protecting the groundwater supply.
How does the WHPP affect me?
Plainfield Charter Township draws its 16-million-gallon-per-day
water supply from 16 wells located in three separate well fields.
Protecting these sensitive areas is of vital importance. The groundwater
in much of these areas is less than 20 feet below ground with no
protective layer of clay. What does this mean? Should contaminants
get into the ground, they may spread very quickly into the community’s
wells, polluting the drinking water. The township has enacted the
WHPO to protect the public water supply. By abiding by the WHPO
and following the safe practices set forth by the WHPP, you can
keep safe for many years to come!
What can I do to protect our water supply?
You can help protect the water supply by familiarizing yourself
with the Wellhead Protection Ordinance and the Wellhead Protection
Program as well as following safe disposal and containment practices.
Interested in a tour of the Plainfield Water Treatment Plant? Contact
Don Petrovich at 363-9660.
Wellhead Protection Committee
The Wellhead Protection Program is the result of the dedicated
efforts of our community Wellhead Protection Committee. This Committee
consists of water department personnel, the engineering firm of
Prein & Newhof, various township department staff, a local business
representative, and the health and fire department. Join them and
the Plainfield Protector in safeguarding our community and water
supply.
Click here for a committee roster
