What is the maximum average daily pumpage allowed for a water system to use the fixed-radius wellhead protection delineation method?

The maximum average daily pumpage allowed for a water system to utilize the fixed-radius wellhead protection delineation method is 100,000 gallons per day. This method is designed to help protect groundwater resources by establishing a fixed area around the well where certain activities may be restricted to prevent contamination.

When a water system exceeds a specific pumping rate, the dynamics of groundwater flow and the potential for contamination become more complex. The 100,000 gallons per day threshold is based on established regulatory guidelines that balance the need for effective protection of groundwater sources while accommodating larger systems. Such systems generally require more sophisticated approaches to wellhead protection due to their higher pumpage levels, as the influence of pumping on groundwater movement and the potential for pollutant dilution and transport increases.

In contrast, systems with lower pumping rates may utilize different methods, reflective of their lower impact on groundwater and the surrounding environment. Understanding this distinction is critical for water operators, as it ensures compliance with state regulations while effectively safeguarding public drinking water supplies.