Additionally, drinking water source lands are, on average, four times as developed and 25 percent less forested than the state as a whole. There are efforts underway to do something about this. Prompted by a cooperative study by the N.H. Dept. of Environmental Services and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Gov. Jeanne Shaheen proposed a matching grant program to help municipalities and water suppliers permanently conserve lands that contribute to water sources. The state legislature is currently considering a legislation to implement this proposal. Already in place is another form of help to municipalities through the N.H. Drinking Water Source Assessment Program, which helps communities assess water source protection areas and inventory potential sources of contamination.
Communities can then make informed decisions about the protection of their supplies.
Water supply land protection can often provide benefits to communities in addition to protecting the water. Protected water supply lands can also provide recreational and scenic benefits as well as allowing for open space lands uses such as forestry that can benefit communities economically. If you're among the approximately 30 percent of New Hampshire residents with your own well, then the basic responsibility for its safety is yours. Make sure rainwater doesn't pool around your well. This can allow soil-borne bacteria to enter.