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Well Protection
Changing farming practices which occur on or near the farmstead in order to reduce
the risk of contamination of water sources — mainly the well.
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How it works
The way you handle materials that could contaminate a water supply, and the distance of
possible contaminants from a well or other water source, can have a dramatic effect on the
quality of drinking water on the farm. For instance, if you typically mix pesticides near the
well, your chances of drinking water contamination from pesticides escalates. To protect your
well, take an inventory of farming practices like pesticide mixing and container washing and
disposal. Then assess the risk of contamination and make necessary changes.
How it helps
 Modifications in farming operations may improve your efficiency and
reduce operation or production costs.
Soil conservation practices may be necessary to divert runoff from the
well area.
Planning ahead
Are necessary soil erosion practices in place?
Have you taken an inventory of the operations you complete at or near
the farmstead well?
Have you properly closed and sealed all abandoned wells near the
farmstead?
Your well should be uphill from any feedlots and pesticide and herbicide
spraying, storage and mixing.
Tech notes
Mix farm chemicals and rinse containers a minimum of 100 feet
downslope from the well.
Apply pesticides on days with minimal wind to prevent chemical drift
into farmsteads.
Use an antisiphon in the hose when filling a sprayer tank to be sure
chemicals will not siphon back to the well and/or keep the hose at
least 6" from the top of the tank.
Maintenance
Keep an emergency chemical spill kit handy.
Maintain any filter strips surrounding the farmstead or wellhead.
Repair wellhead casing as needed.
Repair any cracks in concrete pads used for chemical mixing, loading
or container washing.
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