Water Pollution and Fuel Oil Michigan is blessed with ample water supplies in lakes, streams, wetlands and underground aquifers. But because of the state's geology, many areas have sandy soils with little clay layering to protect groundwater supplies from chemical spills, leaving water vulnerable to contamination. Because there are so many tanks in Michigan, especially in rural areas, fuel oil leakage is a major potential source of pollution. This leakage can come from underground or damaged aboveground tanks. The chances of a leak occurring increase dramatically when tanks are poorly maintained or more than 15 years old.
Spills can also occur when tanks are being filled.
It takes very little fuel to contaminate groundwater. A 1-gallon spill can contaminate a million gallons of water to the point where odor and taste make it unacceptable to drink. Fuel oil contains a number of potentially toxic chemicals. Once groundwater is contaminated, it is very difficult and expensive to clean up. There are many ways to ensure that your aboveground or basement tank does not leak.