Non-Regulatory Options For Groundwater Management

A variety of non-regulatory measures can be used for groundwater protection. These approaches are considered voluntary and support efforts established in regulatory programs. The conscientious practice of such voluntary measures by local citizens is an essential element of groundwater protection. Public efforts help control the many small and diffuse sources of contamination such as used motor oil, septic and holding tank wastes and household chemicals.

Government Coordination

A large variety of agencies gather concurrent data. Much of this data is, however, filed "in house," unavailable to other agencies. Governmental agencies must communicate with one another and with communities so that communities can make informed decisions on issues affecting their groundwater.

Pollution Prevention

The Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center (SHWEC), part of the University of Wisconsin-Extension system, works with the WDNR Office of Pollution Prevention to teach businesses about the advantages of pollution prevention alternatives. Together, they work with businesses across the state to develop sound approaches that result in fewer and/or less toxic emissions/discharges to land, air, surface and groundwater. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Office of Pollution Prevention at 608-267-9700 or SHWEC at 608-265-2360.

Voluntary Management Practices

Voluntary management practices are important to groundwater protection. They require the cooperation and commitment of county government and its citizens to protect water supplies. Voluntary measures include the following:

Motor Oil Recycling Program

Used motor oil can be a serious problem when introduced into a water supply. Waste oil collection centers, with WDNR approval, could be established throughout a community. Counties can encourage participation through public information and education.

Hazardous Waste Collection

Hazardous wastes are substances that are toxic, corrosive, flammable and capable of causing serious harm to humans and the environment. Households collectively use thousands of pounds of hazardous items each year. Most of these materials are disposed of incorrectly, endangering people and the environment. Community "clean sweep" programs are increasingly popular for the safe collection and disposal of household hazardous wastes. Clean Sweep programs are designed to:

• Safely collect and dispose of hazardous wastes,
• Keep hazardous wastes from entering surface and groundwater,
• Discourage residents from disposing of hazardous materials in landfills, sewage treatment plants and backyards,
• Educate the public on the proper use and disposal of hazardous materials,
• Encourage compliance and enforcement of existing rules.

Hazardous materials collected during Clean Sweeps are shipped to out-of-state engineered landfills approved for hazardous wastes. State funds may be available for communities wishing to sponsor such collection programs.

Private Water Supply Monitoring

Some communities may wish to implement a private water supply sampling program to supplement state water testing efforts. By encouraging residents to have their wells tested regularly for bacteria and nitrates, communities could become aware of impending problems. Any such initiative must use standardized sample collection procedures and certified laboratory analysis to be valid (Born 1985).

Education and Information

Knowledge of groundwater basics, the sources and nature of pollution threats, and optional management measures is essential if local governments and citizens are to effectively tackle groundwater protection. Programs can range from very general groundwater principles to specific programs on toxic materials handling for small businesses. Educational materials and programs can be targeted to specific audiences with defined concerns about land use practices and groundwater management activities. Many educational materials are available. A list of materials is available from UW-Extension: How to Develop Extension Education on Groundwater. The WDNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater offers The Wisconsin Groundwater Education Resource Directory (PUBL-WR-381-94).

Agricultural Best Management Practices

Agriculture has a long tradition of voluntary land management changes by farmers except in the case of hazardous materials, which are regulated at state and federal levels. Agricultural best management practices help improve crop-livestock production and management, and minimize the potential for groundwater pollution. Best management practices deal with livestock management, fertility management, pest control, crop rotation, tillage practices, pesticide container and rinse water disposal, and irrigation scheduling. Technical assistance for farmers is available through UW-Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other agencies.

To contribute to groundwater protection, a private citizen or local government can:

• Eliminate or reduce the use of pesticides, fertilizers and household hazardous substances,
• Properly abandon unused or leaking underground storage tanks,
• Report all spills and unabandoned storage tanks to the proper authorities,
• Properly install, maintain and regularly inspect septic systems or holding tanks,
• Abandon unused wells according to WDNR standards,
• Make sure private wells meet existing well construction codes,
• Encourage county officials to reduce road salt use,
• Encourage proper maintenance of municipal treatment plants and wells,
• Use buffer zones along streams to promote uptake of contaminants by vegetation,

For more options refer to Nutrient and Pesticide Best Management Practices for Wisconsin Farms (UW-Extension and DATCP, 1989).

For more information on groundwater, visit the WDNR - Drinking Water and Groundwater Program