Enhancing Municipal Authority for Protection of Drinking Water Kate Johnson, DEQ Environmental Scientist , presented information on the current statutory authority for the protection of drinking water. She also discussed the need for that authority to be expanded to include smaller municipalities. The impetus for proposing a change is the increase in the development previously undeveloped land and the possibility of septic systems becoming sources of contaminants. Giving authority to all communities may be difficult, but Ms. Johnson discussed some possible solutions. It was mentioned that some counties have ordinances for the protection of water sources and suggested that municipalities defer to those ordinances.
Many communities are unaware that they have any authority at all to protect water sources.
Ms. Johnson said that she is available to give presentations in communities and get the word out to those communities. She can be reached at 536-4206. In committee discussion, one member asked what the current territorial boundary for protection. Ms. Johnson responded that water sources can be regulated up to 600 feet on either side of the well. Rivers and streams - Millcreek can be regulated 15 miles upstream and 300 feet on either side of the water source.