What Is a Wellhead Protection Program?

A Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) is a locally-driven and state-regulated program designed to proactively protect public drinking water wells from potential contamination. The program applies to a community’s Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA), which includes the surface and subsurface region that contributes groundwater to a public drinking water well.

Michigan’s Wellhead Protection Program (also sometimes called a Source Water Protection Program) was developed in response to the 1986 Amendments to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. These programs are voluntarily implemented at the local level through coordination with community leaders, regional stakeholders, and state agencies.

Michigan’s Wellhead Protection Program

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) encourages all public water supply systems using groundwater to develop a WHPP Plan. While participation is voluntary, communities that choose to participate in wellhead protection must develop a local program consistent with the guidelines established by the State of Michigan. EGLE offers technical and financial support to local communities that take action.

A Michigan WHPP Plan includes the following seven elements:

1. The establishment of roles and responsibilities of the local Wellhead Protection Team, which often includes members from within the community and from agencies such as the state, the county health department, and local environmental organizations.
2. Delineation of the WHPA using hydrogeological studies and computer groundwater modeling.
3. Identification of potential sources of contamination within the WHPA, such as Michigan Part 201 sites, Part 213 leaking underground storage (LUST) sites, and federal Superfund sites.
4. Development of management strategies to reduce contamination risks, such as local ordinances or land use planning measures.
5. Contingency planning for responding to water supply emergencies.
6. Identification of procedures for the development of new drinking water sources and how new sources would be incorporated into the WHPP Plan.
7. Development of public education and outreach strategies to raise awareness and provide opportunities for public participation.

Communities that complete EGLE’s voluntary program often benefit from added public trust, stronger environmental stewardship, and long-term cost savings by reducing the potential for future cleanup or remediation needs.

Why Wellhead Protection Matters

Groundwater contamination can be expensive and difficult to correct. Wellhead protection programs aim to identify and manage these threats before drinking water sources become contaminated. Preventing contamination before it occurs is far less costly and disruptive than treating contaminated groundwater or replacing wells.

By adopting a WHPP, communities can:

• Build effective partnerships between community leaders, local governments, county and state agencies, environmental organizations, and the general public.
• Strengthen resilience against known and potential sources of contamination and emerging contaminants.
• Support sustainable development and land use planning.
• Improve readiness for accidents and emergencies related to environmental contamination.
• Increase public confidence and awareness of groundwater resources.
• Reduce the risk of regulatory violations and legal liability related to drinking water contamination.

How Fleis & VandenBrink Can Help

F&V partners with municipalities throughout Michigan to develop and implement Wellhead Protection Program Plans that meet state and federal guidelines. Our environmental experts support every phase of the process from WHPA delineation and contaminant source inventory to public education and facilitating Wellhead Protection Team meetings.

Our team can provide:

• Assistance with starting and maintaining a WHPP, facilitating meetings, and tracking funding opportunities.
• Assistance with funding applications and grant administration.
• Hydrogeological services, groundwater modeling, and mapping to delineate WHPAs.
• Identifcation of potential contamination sources within the WHPA.
• Collaboration with the WHPP Team and local planners to develop and implement WHPP management strategies.
• Incorporation of WHPP into water supply contingency planning.
• Evaluation of strategies for new well planning and identification of sustainable well sites.
• Participation with local schools and public organizations to distribute informational materials and give educational presentations about groundwater protection.
• Preparation of documentation for EGLE review.

When your community begins developing a new WHPP plan or updating an existing one, F&V’s experienced staff can help plan for and implement your program based on state guidelines to protect your community’s water supply for decades to come. Talk to our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)?

A Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) includes the surface and subsurface area surrounding a public water supply well where water naturally flows toward the well over a ten-year time period. Contaminants introduced within this area could reach the well and impact drinking water quality. The boundaries of the WHPA are estimated using hydrogeological studies and groundwater modeling.

Is a local Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) required in Michigan?

Participation in Michigan’s WHPP, administered by EGLE, is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Communities that participate can access grant funding and technical assistance, while demonstrating responsible management of their drinking water resources.

Who manages wellhead protection at the local level?

WHPPs are driven at the local level by a community’s local Wellhead Protection Team — made up of members from within the community and from agencies such as the state, the county health department, and local environmental organizations. The Team oversees plan implementation, coordinates education efforts, and updates the plan as needed.

How often should a Wellhead Protection Program Plan be updated?

Michigan WHPP Plans must be updated every six years in order to remain active.

How does GIS support wellhead protection planning?

GIS allows communities to visualize WHPAs, track potential contaminant sources, and share spatial data with regulators and the public. F&V integrates GIS mapping and data collection into every WHPP Plan we deliver, giving communities accurate, accessible information for decision-making.