NJWATER offers assistance with developing, implementing and updating source water protection plans. Currently, our programs are available at no charge to both systems and communities.

"Source water" includes all untreated waters from streams, rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers that supply public water systems and private wells. Whether a public water system relies on groundwater or surface water, protection of the system's source is crucial.

Source protection planning helps to:

• Minimize threats to public health.
• Prevent expensive treatment upgrades and the need for source replacement.
• Increase public confidence in drinking water quality.

NJWATER's programs are driven in part by the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Our source water protection planning offers two levels of assistance:

Source Protection Plans for Single Systems

Development of Wellhead Protection Plans (for systems using groundwater), assistance with Phase II / Phase V monitoring waivers, plan updates, and technical information are available to all systems under this program.

Source Protection Plans for Communities.

This program helps systems that have potential sources of contamination that are beyond their control by providing one source protection plan for an entire community.
Under this program, NJWATER can help your community protect its drinking water supply and will:

* Develop a source water protection plan that includes all systems within your community.

* Facilitate community meetings and help with the formation of a source protection committee.

* Provide educational and outreach materials.

* Serve as liaison with state officials.

* Act as a source of technical information.

* Help communities implement protection measures