Wellhead protection helps keep
groundwater safe from contamination
Wellhead protection simply means protecting the area around a well
from pollutants that might contaminate the well water. It also includes
protecting the area where surface water filters to the groundwater
aquifer. Extensive contamination could render a groundwater well
unusable.
Searchlight's Wellhead Protection
Plan
On March 19, 2004, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
(NDEP) endorsed the Searchlight Wellhead Protection Plan.
The plan, drafted with the input of the Searchlight
Town Advisory Board representatives along with local, state and
federal agency assistance, provides for a proactive approach for
protecting Searchlight’s water supply.
Public outreach and education were identified
as a major factor in protecting Searchlight’s underground
aquifer. In an effort to get that word out, Searchlight Town Board
members are working with the NDEP and the Nevada Rural Water Association
to provide brochures for the community. The brochures are funded
with grant money through the State’s Wellhead Protection Program.
Other public outreach activities will include
quarterly newsletters, wellhead protection signs and elementary school
presentations.
Private well owners can protect
their wells
Private well users are encouraged to establish their own wellhead
protection areas around their wells. The area should be a circle
around the well that has a minimum radius of 100 feet from the wellhead.
See the LVVWD Wellhead
Protection page for more tips to protect a private well.
For more information about the Wellhead Protection
program and plan, call the Water District's Operations Department
at (702) 258-3110. To learn more about groundwater in the
valley, visit the Las
Vegas Groundwater Management Program Web site.
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