What is the purpose of a wellhead protection program?

What is the purpose of a wellhead protection program?

• A. To increase the yield of water
• B. To control contaminants affecting well quality
• C. To promote recreational use of water
• D. To provide funding for new well projects

Answer: (B)

A wellhead protection program is primarily designed to control contaminants affecting well quality. The program focuses on protecting the area surrounding a well, known as the wellhead protection area, from potential sources of contamination. This protection is crucial because wells are a primary source of drinking water, and the quality of this water can be compromised by nearby industrial activities, agricultural practices, or improper waste disposal. By identifying and managing land use practices within the wellhead protection area, the program helps ensure that the water remains safe for consumption and protects public health. This purpose emphasizes preventative measures to safeguard water sources, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of drinking water supplies. While increasing the yield of water, promoting recreational use of water, and providing funding for new well projects may have their own importance in water resource management, they do not directly relate to the objective of minimizing contamination around existing well sources.

A wellhead protection program is primarily designed to control contaminants affecting well quality. The program focuses on protecting the area surrounding a well, known as the wellhead protection area, from potential sources of contamination. This protection is crucial because wells are a primary source of drinking water, and the quality of this water can be compromised by nearby industrial activities, agricultural practices, or improper waste disposal. By identifying and managing land use practices within the wellhead protection area, the program helps ensure that the water remains safe for consumption and protects public health.

This purpose emphasizes preventative measures to safeguard water sources, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of drinking water supplies. While increasing the yield of water, promoting recreational use of water, and providing funding for new well projects may have their own importance in water resource management, they do not directly relate to the objective of minimizing contamination around existing well sources.