A Citizen’s Guide to

Pump and Treat

What Is Pump And Treat?

Pump and treat is a common method for cleaning up 

groundwater contaminated with dissolved chemicals, 

including industrial solvents, metals, and fuel oil. 

Groundwater is pumped from wells to an above-ground 

treatment system that removes the contaminants. 

Pump and treat systems also are used to “contain” the 

contaminant plume. Containment of the plume keeps it 

from spreading by pumping contaminated water toward 

the wells. This pumping helps keep contaminants from 

reaching drinking water wells, wetlands, streams, and 

other natural resources.

How Does It Work?

Pump and treat methods may involve installing one or 

more wells to extract the contaminated groundwater. 

Groundwater is pumped from these “extraction wells” 

to the ground surface, either directly into a treatment 

system or into a holding tank until treatment can 

begin. The treatment system may consist of a single 

cleanup method, such as activated carbon or air 

stripping, to clean the water. (See A Citizen’s Guide to 

Activated Carbon [EPA 542-F-12-001] and A Citizen’s 

Guide to Air Stripping [EPA 542-F-12-002].) However, 

treatment often requires several cleanup methods if the 

groundwater contains different types of contaminants 

or high concentrations of a single contaminant. The 

approach to treatment may be modified as contaminant 

concentrations decrease.

Once treated water meets regulatory standards, it may 

be discharged for disposal or further use. For example, 

treated water may be pumped back underground 

or into a nearby stream, or a sprinkler system may 

distribute the water over the ground surface to irrigate 

soil and plants. Treated water also may be discharged 

to the area’s public sewer system for further treatment 

at the local wastewater treatment plant. Other wastes 

produced as a result of treatment, such as sludge or 

used filters, are disposed of properly.

Is Pump And Treat Safe?

Pump and treat is a safe way to both clean up 

contaminated groundwater and keep it from moving 

to other areas where it may affect drinking water 

supplies, wildlife habitats, or recreational rivers and 

lakes. Although pumping brings contamination to the 

ground surface, it does not expose people to that 

contamination. A pump and treat system is monitored 

to ensure the extraction wells and treatment units 

operate as designed. Also, the groundwater is sampled 

to ensure the plume is decreasing in concentration 

and is not spreading. 

How Long Will It Take?

Pump and treat may last from a few years to several 

decades. The actual cleanup time will depend on several 

factors, which vary from site to site. For example, it may 

take longer where: 

• Contaminant concentrations are high, or the 

contamination source has not been completely 

removed. 

• The contaminant plume is large. 

• Groundwater flow is slow, or the flow path is complex.

How Might It Affect Me?

People living or working near the site may see 

increased truck traffic while the system is being built 

as drill rigs and construction supplies arrive at the site. 

They also may hear the machinery used to drill wells 

Clean Water

Groundwater

Plume

Treatment

Building

Holding 

Tank

Stream

Extraction Well

Contaminated water moves 

toward extraction wells.

Example of a Pump and Treat System with Two Extraction Wells.
United States Office of Solid Waste and EPA 542-F-12-017

Environmental Protection Emergency Response September 2012

Agency (5102G) www.epa.gov/superfund/sites

www.cluin.org

Example

The Baird and McGuire 

Superfund site in Massachusetts was contaminated when 

chemicals stored in tanks leaked 

into the soil and groundwater. 

The contaminated groundwater 

plume flowed offsite, contaminating and closing the town’s 

main water supply. Since 1993, 

a pump and treat system has 

been containing the plume and 

cleaning up groundwater.

Pump and treat began after 

much of the contaminated soil 

at the site was excavated for 

treatment. Eight pumping wells 

were installed at the site (seven 

still operate) typically pumping 

a total of about 127 gallons 

of groundwater per minute. 

The treatment plant includes 

a metals removal system, air 

strippers, and activated carbon 

units to remove a wide range of 

contaminants. It also has filters 

and a sludge disposal system. 

Treated water is pumped 

back underground at the site. 

Groundwater sampling has 

shown that treatment continues 

to protect human health and the 

environment by containing the 

plume and removing contaminants. The system is expected 

to operate well into the future.

For More Information

For more information about 

this and other technologies in 

the Citizen’s Guide Series, 

visit:

www.cluin.org/remediation

www.cluin.org/products/

citguide

NOTE: This fact sheet is intended solely as general information to the public. It is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to create any 

rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States, or to endorse the use of products or services provided by specific 

vendors. The Agency also reserves the right to change this fact sheet at any time without public notice.

or construct the treatment system. Treatment systems usually are designed to 

minimize noise while operating. Because pump and treat cleanups can take a 

long time, systems can be designed so that other site activities may continue 

during cleanup. For example, the treatment system may be constructed in a 

location as far as possible from an office building or parking lot. It also may be 

enclosed by a fence or a shed so that it is less obvious.

Why Use Pump And Treat?

Pump and treat is used to remove a wide range of contaminants that are 

dissolved in groundwater. Pump and treat typically is used once the source of 

groundwater contamination, such as leaking drums and contaminated soil, has 

been treated or removed from the site. It also is used to contain plumes so that 

they do not move offsite or toward lakes, streams, and water supplies. Pump and 

treat is the most common cleanup method for groundwater. It has been selected 

or is being used at over 800 Superfund sites across the country.

Groundwater Pumping Wells Groundwater Treatment Building

Indoor Treatment Facility Outdoor Treatment Facility