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GROUNDWATER & : UNDERSTANDING THE INTERACTION A GUIDE FOR WATERSHED PARTNERSHIPS

SECOND EDITION : A HIDDEN .

About half of irrigated cropland uses INTRODUCTION. groundwater. Water. It’s vital for all of us. We depend on Approximately one third of industrial its good quality—and quantity—for drink- water needs are fulfilled by using ing, recreation, use in industry and growing groundwater. crops. It’s also vital to sustaining the natural systems on and under the ’s About 40% of flow nationwide surface. (on average) depends on groundwater.

Groundwater is a hidden resource. At one Thus groundwater is a critical component time, its purity and availability were taken of management plans developed by an for granted. Now, contamination and increasing number of watershed partner- availability are serious issues. ships.

Some facts to consider... GROUNDWATER ABC’S. Groundwater is the water that saturates Scientists estimate groundwater the tiny spaces between alluvial material accounts for more than 95% of all (sand, gravel, silt, clay) or the crevices of available for use. fractures in rocks. (See illustration of Approximately 50% of Americans groundwater profile.) obtain all or part of their from groundwater. Aeration zone: The zone above the water Nearly 95% of rural residents rely on table is known as the zone of aeration groundwater for their drinking supply. (unsaturated or ). Water in the (in the ground but above the ) is referred to as . Spaces between soil, gravel and rock are filled with water (suspended) and air.

Aquifer: Most groundwater is found in —underground layers of porous rock saturated from above or from structures sloping toward it.

2 capacity is determined by the porosity of : Movement of water into subsurface material and its area. Under and through soil. most of the United States, there are two major types of aquifers: confined and Permeability: The capacity of rock or unconfined. soil to transmit fluid, usually water.

Capillary water: Just above the water Saturation zone: The portion that’s table, in the aeration zone, is capillary saturated with water is called the zone water that moves upward from the water of saturation. The upper surface of this table by capillary action. This water can zone, open to atmospheric pressure, is move slowly in any direction, from a wet known as the water table (phreatic particle to a dry one. While most surface). rely on moisture from in the unsaturated zone, their roots may also tap Unconfined aquifers: More common into capillary water or the saturated zone. than confined aquifers, unconfined aquifers have a permeable deposit that Confined aquifers: (also known as leads into the aquifert. Water may have artesian or pressure aquifers) exist where arrived by percolating through the the groundwater system is between layers surface. This is why water in an of clay, dense rock, or other materials with unconfined aquifer is often very young, very low permeability. in geologic time. The top layer of the aquifer is also the water table. Thus, it’s Water in confined aquifers may be very affected by atmospheric pressure and old, even millions of years old. This water changing hydrologic conditions. is under more pressure than water in unconfined aquifers. Thus, when tapped by Vadose zone: The area of soil and rock a , water is forced up, sometimes just above the water table. above the soil surface. This is how a flowing artesian well is formed. Water-bearing rocks: Several types of rocks can hold water, including... : Water returned to the atmosphere by from water Sedimentary deposits (i.e. sand and and land surfaces, and by the activity of gravel), living plants. Channels in carbonate rocks (i.e. Hydrologic cycle: Complete cycle through ), which water passes from the atmosphere Lava tubes or cooling igneous and, eventually, returns to the atmosphere fractures in igneous rocks, (See illustration on page 4). Fractures in hard rocks. Impermeable: Having texture that does not permit water to move through quickly. 3 THE HYDROLOGIC CYCLE.

It’s crystal clear. Groundwater and surface As or fall to the earth’s surface: water are fundamentally interconnected. In Some water runs off the land to , fact, it’s often difficult to separate the two , , and (surface because they ‘feed’ each other. This is water). why one can contaminate the other. Some water returns to the atmosphere by evaporation or transporation. A CLOSER LOOK. Some water infiltrates the soil To better understand the connection, take a where it can... closer look at the various zones and - Be absorbed by roots, or actions. A logical way to study this is by understanding how water recycles, the - Continue to move down to become hydrologic (water) cycle. (See illustra- groundwater, or tion.) - Move down and then sideways (laterally) or backup (via capillary action) to become

CLOUDS FORM PRECIPITATION

RUNOFF

TRANSPIRATION

4 INFILTRATION PLANT INTAKE

GROUND WATER ACCESSED THROUGH WELL through , natural springs, marshes, streams, etc. This is why successful watershed partner- Although its rate of movement varies, ships take a special interest in the groundwater very slowly moves unconfined aquifer adjacent to the , toward low areas (including streams or other surface waterbody. and lakes) where it is discharged. Here it becomes surface water again. HOW SURFACE WATER CAN And, upon evaporation, it completes the cycle. ‘FEED’ AN UNCONFIED AQUIFER. This movement of water between the earth The source of groundwater (recharge) is and the atmosphere through runoff and through precipitation or surface water that infiltration, evaporation, transpiration, and percolates downward. Approximately 5- precipitation is continuous. 50% (depending on , and many other factors) of annual precipitation HOW UNCONFINED results in . AQUIFERS CAN ‘FEED’ Losing streams. In some areas, streams literally recharge SURFACE WATER. the aquifer through infiltration. One of the most commonly used forms of These are called losing streams. groundwater comes from unconfined shallow water table aquifers. ACHIEVING BALANCE. These aquifers are major sources of Left untouched, groundwater naturally drinking and water. They also achieves balance— interact closely with streams, sometimes discharging and recharging— flowing (discharging) water into a stream depending on hydrologic conditions. In fact, or lake and sometimes receiving water some streams are gaining streams at times from the stream or lake. and losing streams at other times. Gaining streams. An unconfined aquifer that feeds streams provides the stream’s . This is called a gaining stream.

In fact, groundwater can be responsible for maintaining the hydrologic balance of surface streams, springs, lakes, , and marshes. 5 INTEGRATING DELINEATIONS*.

THE QUESTION OF COMMON BOUNDARIES. The boundaries of aquifers are often BOUNDARIES. difficult to map. It requires someone with Partnerships using the watershed approach an understanding of the and to protect natural identify and surface above the aquifer. understand the individual resources— water, soil, air, plants, animals and An unconfined aquifer area often ex- people—early in the process. tends to the surface waterbody’s (i.e. lake, river, ) watershed. When determin- This is why watershed partnerships ing an aquifer protection area, pumping delineate boundaries to address all natural (working) wells are not considered. resources—not just one. They realize that groundwater, surface water, air quality, The biggest risk to an unconfined aquifer is and human activities all interact the water, potentially carrying contami- with each other. nants, moving through the permeable materials directly above it. This area is Occasionally watershed partnerships run known as the primary recharge area. into difficulty with differing boundaries of Depending on the depth and overlying watersheds and groundwater. If this geologic characteristics, travel time from occurs, consider combining surface and the surface to the aquifer can be rapid. *A deliniation is the groundwater into a single, larger area. In process of determin- other situations—like the transfer of water Less permeable deposits located at higher ing the boundary of to reach distant users—there can, and elevation than the aquifer form a second- an area. In the guide should be, two distinct areas. ary recharge area. These areas also it generally refers recharge the aquifer through both overland how you differentiate Thus, watershed partnerships’ boundaries runoff and . Because the direction that may combine the wellhead area, aquifer, they are less permeable and tend to be a water travels. watershed, and many other areas into one. greater distance from the aquifer, the deposits often lessen contaminants.

Additional recharge areas to consider include an adjacent stream that poten- tially contributes to the aquifer through infiltration. When pumping wells are close to a stream, infiltration can be increased. Infiltrating streams typically

6 provide an aquifer with large quantities of water and a pathway for bacteria and When selecting the best method, consider viruses. available funds and the level of concern. Also be sure to consider the cone of A confined aquifer area may be limited to and . the outcrop of the aquifer unit and its immediate contributing area. This area may Surface waterbody watershed areas actually be isolated from the location of have been delineated through a simple wells within the aquifer. process of identifying the highest elevations Semi-confined aquifers may receive in land that drains to the surface waterbody water from both outcrop areas and overly- (i.e. lake, pond, river, estuary, etc.). Water- ing aquifers. Delineating the aquifer sheds are in all shapes and sizes, ranging protection area can be extensive and from just a few acres to several million complex. acres ... many smaller watersheds ‘nested’ inside a larger watershed. Sole-source aquifers are delineated based on aquifer type—confined, semi-confined Most successful watershed partnerships or unconfined—and local geologic and work with the smallest size feasible yet hydrologic conditions. Defined as providing encompass all the different, but integrated, a minimum of 50% of the water used by its areas. This enables faster measurable users, sole-source aquifers usually exist progress and stronger ties between stake- only where there are simply no viable holders and the alternative water sources. waterbodies their actions affect ... WHO MAPS Wellhead protection areas (also known as positively or nega- WATERSHEDS zone of contribution and contributing areas) tively. ? are the surface and subsurface areas surrounding a well or field of wells (well- The larger sizes—ranging from field), supplying a . the entire Missouri or Ohio River Basins—to three nested steps The area is calculated by determining the smaller are mapped by U.S. distance contaminants are reasonably likely Geologic Survey (USGS). to move before reaching a well. Some common methods for determining the Even smaller areas, like a creek’s include: or small lake’s watershed, have Arbitrary fixed radius, been deliniated and catalogued in many states. The State Geologi- Calculated fixed radius, cal Survey, USDA Natural Simplified variable shapes, Resources Conservation Service, Analytical method, USDI Fish & Wildlife Service, and USDI Bureau of Reclama- Numerical method, tion are all agencies that may Hydrogeologic mapping. have mapped these. Call your local office for details. 7 THREATS TO GROUNDWATER.

situation, water table recovers when supply QUANTITY. is replenished. To meet demands of a growing and other uses, an increased amount of () is one dramatic groundwater has been used. Some typical result from overpumping. As the water threats to water quantity include overdraft, table declines, water pressure is reduced. drawdown, and subsidence. This causes fine materials that held water to become compacted. In addition to Overdraft occurs when groundwater is permanently reducing storage capacity, removed faster than recharge can replace land above the aquifer can sink ... from a it. This can result in... few inches to several feet. A permanent loss of a portion of its storage capacity. QUALITY. A gradual change that can cause Inorganic compounds, pathogens and water of unusable quality to contaminate organic compounds can negatively affect good water. . Scientists continually learn In coastal basins, salt water intrusion about contaminants, sources, and preven- can occur. tion practices.

Generally, any withdrawal in excess of Inorganic Compounds include all com- safe yield (the pounds that do not containing carbon. amount that can Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and WHAT’S A WATER USE? be withdrawn heavy metals are two examples. without producing Nitrates can cause problems in an undesirable The defines water uses for drinking water or marine . result) is an groundwater, surface waters, and wetlands as overdraft. Phosphorus can reduce uses of fresh fishable, swimmable, drinkable, capable of surface waters. supporting recreation, etc. Drawdown Heavy metals include selenium, But what does that mean in ‘real’ terms? differs signifi- , iron, manganese, cadmium and cantly from chromium and others. Each state defines standards for these uses and overdraft. specifies water use(s) for individual Results in a Various levels of some inorganic com- waterbodies. For example, while most rivers are temporarily pounds, like iron, manganese, arsenic, assigned to be used for fishing, a few river lowered water nitrogen, and phosphorus, occur naturally. sections are assigned to be used for drinking table generally Therefore, naturally occuring levels must water. caused by be considered when addressing these pumping. In this The same is true for groundwater. Uses are compounds. defined and standards identified. A few ground- water uses and corresponding standards are: Pathogens including bacteria and viruses, have been attributed for more than 50% of tandards 8 Groundwater Use Water S the waterborne disease outbreaks in the Drinking water Meet MCL for U.S. Cryptosporidium parvum and (Quality) Giardia both commonly cause illnesses Industrial process Quality & quantity criteria vary when consumed. Stream baseflow quantity & quality criteria vary and Note: For most water uses both quality quantity are important. Organic Compounds include Volatile () to flow through the leach field. Organic Compounds (VOCs) like , While the leach field removes some toluene, xylene, etc.; and Semi-Volatile contaminants, a few can remain. These Organic Compounds (SVOCs) like include nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, napthaline and phenol; PCB’s and pesti- chloride, VOC’s, and pathogens. When cides. concentrations are very high, groundwater contamination can occur.

POTENTIAL SOURCES. Agricultural pest, nutrient and manure Point sources are easily identified. Ex- management practices can also threaten amples: treatment plants, large groundwater quality. Potential contamina- injection wells, certain industrial plants, tion depends on the type, method, amount, certain livestock facilities, , and and timing of application, soil qualities, and others. They are regulated by the state hydrologic conditions. Using management water quality agency and the EPA, and are practices can dramatically reduce risk of issued a National Discharge contamination. Elimination System (NPDES) permit when they meet regulations. Large and small industries and busi- nesses like dry cleaners and automotive Point sources established generations ago repair shops can also threaten groundwater are often ‘grandfathered’ into compliance with a wide with some areas of the law. Hence, you variety of may find some point sources located in potentially POTENTIAL CONTAMINANT contaminating what would now be considered an inappro- OURCES priate location. substances. S

Nonpoint sources refer to widespread, Potential Potential seemingly insignificant amounts of con- Source Contaminant taminates which, cumulatively, threaten Salting practices & storage Chlorides water quality. Examples: septic systems, Snow dumping Chlorides drainage, agricultural runoff, lawn Agricultural Nitrates Manure handling Nitrates, pathogens fertilizers, underground fuel storage tanks, Home Nitrates and small businesses. Septic systems Nitrates, pathogens Most are not required to have a permit. Urban Hydrocarbons, Individually, each may not be a serious pesticides, pathogens threat, but together they may be a signifi- Agricultural dealers Hydrocarbons, cant threat. pesticides,nitrates Agricultural feedlots Nitrates, pathogens Petroleum stored in underground stor- Solid waste landfills Hazardous materials age systems is one of the greatest threats Industrial uses RCRA ‘C’ Hazardous materials Industrial uses RCRA ‘D’ Hazardous materials to groundwater quality. Although a large Small quantity generators Hazardous materials number of systems have been removed or Households Hazardous upgraded, a significant number remain. materials Gas stations Hydrocarbons 9 Auto repair shops Hydrocarbons Septic system tanks, where separation of Recycling facilities Hydrocarbons solids and liquids takes place, allow liquids Auto salvage yards Hydrocarbons Underground storage tanks Hydrocarbons Industrial floor drains Hydrocarbons Injection wells Hydrocarbons Junkyards Hydrocarbons MANAGEMENT APPROACHES.

Four of the most useful can also easily be THE WATERSHED APPROACH. incorporated into your watershed plan. A quick review of key components of the These include: local, voluntary watershed approach to Comprehensive State Groundwater protecting natural resources will help you Protection Program, evaluate groundwater management ap- proaches and how they may be used in Sole Source Aquifer Program, your particular situation. Source Water Protection Program, Wellhead Protection Program. Key watershed management approach components include: These programs can be used in a compli- All natural resources—soil, water, air, mentary fashion to manage all resources, plants, animals, and people—including including groundwater, for multiple uses— groundwater are assessed and ranging from human consumption to addressed by stakeholders. industrial processes to maintaining the Measurable objectives—based on local hydrologic regime (geologic structure as it environmental, economic and social effects the travel of water) and ecological goals—are developed by stakeholders. integrity of a . Solutions are identified and Comprehensive State Groundwater implementation strategies are agreed Protection Program is a statewide pro- upon by stakeholders. gram that looks at groundwater’s uses (in Implementation is carried out by the addition to drinking water use) to consider stakeholders. the role of groundwater in sustaining the health of surface waterbodies (rivers, Some of these activities, as they pertain to streams, wetlands, marshes). groundwater, are described in this guide. For example: The Sole Source Aquifer Program, Boundary delineation is typically part Source Water Protection Program, and of assessment. Wellhead Protection Program all are intended to protect a drinking water supply. The discussion of uses ( and The programs generally are compatible future) is part of setting goals. with the Comprehensive State Ground- Contaminant information is part of water Protection Program, but are applied assessment, goal setting and solution to very defined geographic areas... identification. Sole Source Aquifer Program applies Understanding various tools is part of to the aquifer boundaries. identifying and implementing solutions. Source Water Protection Program applies to watersheds that drain into a waterbody used as a drinking water GROUNDWATER PROGRAMS. source (, intake areas, etc.). Over the past 20 years many federal and Wellhead Protection Program applies 10 state programs have been developed to to defined wellhead areas. improve management of groundwater. SPECIAL ISSUES.

Although groundwater programs are often used within the water- shed framework, there are some problematic issues that may arise as you attempt to completely integrate them.

These issues have been listed below simply to make you aware of them. Each is best addressed through cooperation and consensus.

Water quality use designations often do not reflect the presence of groundwater intakes for drinking water. Water quality criteria and drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) often are not consistent in terms of chemical specific values and parameters. Minor dischargers and permitted management measures under the NPDES program may not sufficiently reduce the risk to making a significant impact to drinking water intakes. Where activities are reducing drinking water quality, changes in management practices may take a long time to result in water quality improvements. Source water areas for groundwater drinking supplies (wellhead areas) generally do not coincide with surface water drainage areas. Long-term drinking may be necessary for certain public water supply systems because of the of the contaminant sources and the size of the contributing area.

11 MANAGEMENT TOOLS.

There are many, many tools that can be Overlay Water Resource Protection used to manage groundwater resources. Districts: These ordinances and bylaws Although your partnership may not use any are similar to zoning regulations in their of them, they will help start discussion over goals of defining the resource by mapping viable options. zones of contributing boundaries and enacting specific legislation for land uses Zoning: Regulations used to segregate and development within these boundaries. different, and possibly conflicting, activities into different areas of a community. This Prohibition of Some Land Uses: These approach can be limited in its ability to are not typically considered very creative protect groundwater due to grandfathering tools. However, prohibition of land uses provisions. such as gas stations, plants, landfills, or the use/storage/transport of toxic materials is a first step towards the Groundwater Protection Tools development of a comprehensive ground- water protection strategy. Technique Tool Zoning Overlay Groundwater protection Special Permitting: The special permitting Districts Prohibit Various Land Uses process can be used to regulate uses and Special Permitting structures that may potentially degrade Large Lot Zoning Transfer of Development Rights water and land quality. Cluster/PUD Design Growth Controls/Timing Large Lot Zoning: Large lot zoning seeks Performance Standards to limit groundwater resource degradation Geographic Information Systems by reducing the number of buildings and Overlay Wetlands septic systems within a groundwater Identify Local Wellhead Protection Areas protection area.

Subdivision Drainage Requirements Eliminating Septic Systems: By extend- Control Growth Management in Sensitive Areas ing or developing a community sewage Health Underground Fuel Storage Systems treatment system, septic system problems Regulations S mall Sewage Treatment Plants can be reduced. Septic Cleaner Bans Septic System Upgrades Transfer of Development Rights: A Toxic & Hazardous Material Regulations government entity prepares a plan that Private Well Protection

Voluntary Sale or Donation Restrictions Conservation Easements Limited Development

Other Monitoring Nonregulatory Contingency Plans Collection 12 Public Education Land Banking designates land parcels from which devel- function properly, causing “breakout” of opment rights can be transferred to other solids at the surface. This can lead to areas. This allows land uses to be pro- bacterial contamination. In addition, when tected (i.e. for a gas station) while assuring systems fail, any additives used can that these uses are outside sensitive areas. become contaminants.

Growth Control/Timing: Growth controls Land Donations: are used to slow or guide a community’s Land owners are growth, ideally in concert with its ability to often in the position Groundwater Management Practices support growth. One important component of being able to Management Practices is in regards to groundwater’s carrying donate some land to Purpose capacity. the community or to Groundwater Impervious area recharge restrictions a local land trust. Artificial wetlands Performance Standards: This assumes Grass lined channels that any given resource has a threshold, Conservation Impoundment structures beyond which it deteriorates to an unac- Easements: Conser- (ponds) ceptable level. Performance standards vation easements Subsurface drains (tiles) assume that most uses are allowable in a allow for a limited Infiltration trenches designated area, provided that the use or right to use the land. Native tree and shrub plantings uses do not and will not overload the Easements can resource. With performance standards, it is effectively protect Pollutant Buffer strips important to establish critical threshold critical from reduction Filter strips limits as the bottom for acceptability. development. Riparian zones

Underground Storage Tanks: Three Purchase Lands: Soil nitrate testing additional protection measures are often Many communities prevention Integrated pest management adopted to enhance local water resource purchase selected Manure testing protection, include: parcels of land that Variable rate applications Abandoned well closure Prohibit new residential underground are deemed signifi- storage tanks, cant for resource protection. Remove existing residential underground storage tanks, and Well Construction/Closure Standards: A Prohibit all new underground storage direct conduit to groundwater, standards tank installation in groundwater and for new well construction as well as surface water management areas. identification and closure of abandoned wells can make a big difference. Septic System Maintenance: Septic system maintenance is frequently over- looked. Many times, the system will not 13 GROUNDWATER IQ QUIZ ANSWERS.

TEST YOUR GROUNDWATER IQ.

1. Which way(s) can groundwater move? a. Up b. Down c. Sideway d. All of the above

2. How is the speed of groundwater movement measured? a. Feet per day b. Feet per week c. Feet per month d. Feet per year

3. How is stream flow usually measured? a. Feet per second b. Feet per minute c. Feet per hour d. Yards per hour

4. What determines how fast groundwater moves? a. Temperature b. Air pressure c. Depth of water table d. Size of materials

5. Can the water table elevation change often? a. Yes b. No

ANSWERS. 1. d. All of the above Although most movement is lateral (sideways), it can move straight up or down. You see, groundwater simply follows the path of least resistance by moving from higher pressure zones to lower pressure zones. 2. d. Feet per year Groundwater movement is usually measured in feet per year. This is why a pollutant that enters groundwater requires many years before it purifies itself or before it’s carried to a monitored well. 3. a. Feet per second Water flow in streams/rivers is measured in feet per second. 4. d. Size of materials Coarse materials like sand and gravel allow water to move rapidly. (They also form excellent aquifers because of their holding capacity.) In contrast, fine-grained materials, like clay or shale, are very difficult for 14 water to move through. Thus, water moves very, very slowly in these materials. 5. a. Yes Water table elevations often fluctuate because of recharge and discharge variations. They generally peak in the winter and due to recharge from and snow melt. Throughout the summer the water table commonly declines due to evaporation; uptake by plants (transpiration); increased public us; industrial use; and crop, golf course and lawn irrigation. Elevations commonly reach their lowest point in early fall. SOURCES OF INFORMATION.

To start down the road toward an effective local watershed partnership, you may want to read some of these other guides from the Conservation Technology Information Center by calling 765-494-9555. A $2.00 fee is charged to cover postage and handling.

Getting to Know Your Watershed For additional assistance... Building Local Partnerships Putting Together a Watershed Plan Contact your... Water Monitoring: The Basics Local or state water quality agency Reflecting on Lakes State lake association Local natural resources agency Wetlands: A Key Link in Watershed Management Local conservation district Leading & Communicating Local extension office Managing Conflict Local water utility State & Regional Watershed Contacts/NPS Directory

OTHER SOURCES. The author acknowledges some of the following sources of information were used in developing this guide. You may also find these publications helpful, too. There may be fees for some publications.

Layperson’s Guide to Ground Water, 1993, Water Education Foundation, 717 K Street, Ste 517, Sacramento, CA 95814. A Primer on Ground Water, US Geological Survey Open-File Reports Section, Federal Center, Box 25425, Denver, CO 80225. Citizen’s Guide to Ground Water Protection, April 1990, EPA 440/6-90-004, U.S. EPA Office of Water, RC-4100, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460. Order from NCEPI, 11029 Kenwood Rd, Bldg 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Fax: 513-489-8695. Managing Ground Water Contamination Sources in Wellhead Protection Areas: A Priority Setting Approach, October 1991, EPA 570/9-91-023, U.S. EPA, RC-4100, 401 M Street SW, Wash- ington, DC 20460. Order from NCEPI, 11029 Kenwood Rd, Bldg 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Fax: 513-489-8695. National Assessment of Contaminated Ground Water Discharge to Surface Water, April 1991, U.S. EPA Office of Water, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460. Order from NCEPI, 11029 Kenwood Rd, Bldg 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Fax: 513-489-8695. A Review of Methods for Assessing Nonpoint Source Contaminated Ground Water Discharge to Surface Water, EPA 21T-1002, U.S. EPA, RC-4100, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460. Order from NCEPI, 11029 Kenwood Rd, Bldg 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Fax: 513-489-8695. National Water Quality Inventory: 1996 Report to Congress, April 1998. EPA 841-F-97-003. U.S. EPA Office of Water, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460. Order from NCEPI, 11029 Kenwood Rd, Bldg 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Fax: 513-489-8695. Groundwater: Protecting Wisconsin’s Buried Treasure; 15 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Tel: 608-267-7375 ABOUT THIS GUIDE...

Because the characteristics of each minds of partners who, together, watershed are unique; you may wish to represent of those with a stake in your select and use the portions of this guide watershed and the technical advice that are applicable to your particular available through local government situation. agencies.

This guide is one of a series of guides for Although this series is written for people who want to organize a local watershed-based planning, the ideas partnership to protect their watershed. The and process can be used for developing series is designed to provide guidance for other types of plans (such as wildlife going through the process of building a areas) to match the concerns of the voluntary partnership, developing a water- partnership. Regardless of the area, shed management plan and implementing remember a long-term, integrated that plan. perspective — based on a systematic, scientific assessment — can be used to The series of guides will not solve all your address more than one concern at a problems and will not replace the collective time.

SPECIAL THANKS...

Special thanks to Nancy Phillips, Environ- Special thanks also to the following profes- mental Consultant, who dedicated long sionals (below) who carefully reviewed this hours to writing this guide. guide. Their experience and thoughtful guidance enriched it. Their time and insight Illustrations were provided by Stephan is deeply appreciated. Adduci, Sudio d’addici, Los Galos, Califor- nia. Bridget Chard John Simons Cass County (MN) EPA, Office of Groundwater & Drinking Water Tom Davenport Perri Standish-Lee EPA, Region 5, Water Division Brown and Caldwell Nancy Garlitz Ceceilia Stetson USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Susan Kaynor Joan Warren Environmental Consultant EPA, Office of Wetlands, Frank Sagona Oceans & Watersheds Tennessee Authority Darlene Vogel Susan Seacrest County of Erie (NY) The Groundwater Foundation

The Know Your Watershed campaign is coordinated by the Conservation Conserv. Tech. Info. Technology Information Center (CTIC), a nonprofit public/private partnership Center dedicated to the advancement of environmentally beneficial and economically 1220 Potter Dr Rm 170 viable systems. It provides information and data W Lafayette IN 47906 about agricultural and natural resource management systems, Tel: 765 494-9555 practices and technologies. The center was established in 1982 Fax: 765 494-5969 [email protected] under the charter of the National Association of Conservation http://ctic.purdue.edu/ Districts. kyw/kyw.html