These aquifer systems provide minimal natural protection from leaks or spills of chemicals. Incidents resulting in contamination or loss of existing wellfields blatantly show the need for preventative measures to be in place. Potable water resources are limited. Groundwater remediation is costly and time consuming. It is far cheaper and wiser to prevent contamination of our drinking water supply than to try to clean it up later.
Education is the first and foremost preventive technique implemented.
Increasing awareness is the best method for preventing contamination. Businesses such as automotive repair shops, prints shops, furniture refinishing shops, and dry cleaners are visited regularly. Inspectors promote source reduction and waste minimization, encouraging business owners to reduce the quantity of chemicals stored on site and to consider changing their processes to minimize harmful substances. Through education, they provide appropriate literature to people such as golf course maintenance superintendents and business operators. Over 1,500 fact sheets and brochures and notices of pollution prevention seminars have been provided to small businesses, including the certified pest control operators.