Zoning approaches can be used to separate different activities within the community and keep conflicting land uses from being sited next to each other. For example, a zoning regulation can be adopted to prevent new underground storage tanks of petroleum from being installed within wellhead protection areas. In addition, zoning regulations could include the adoption of new districts to link the mapping of WHPAs with future management strategies. Subdivision control rules and regulations also can be used to protect ground water quality. When parcels of land are divided, subdivision regulations can be used to ensure that drainage from new roads is either treated or directed away from WHPAs.
Health regulations can be very effective in protecting ground water quality.
Regional approaches are options to consider when your local government does not have the power to regulate a certain activity or when a multi-community approach is necessary. It may be that the WHPA for your community's well extends into another town or state. Because the management techniques described above are difficult or impossible to apply outside you town, you may need to approach the neighboring community or your state legislature to create a special district for the joint management of the resource. Through a special ground water protection district, you can establish consistent local controls across the entire WHPA and avoid piecemeal protection efforts. Perhaps the most important step to take in protecting your town's groundwater supply is to sustain your protection efforts into the future.