AWWA ACE58232

Even though groundwater sources are much less demanding to operate than surface water sources, water system operators and managers should have a program in place to routinely evaluate each of their groundwater sources. Gathering and evaluating pertinent information will allow water system decision makers to detect changes in operational characteristics and water quality. Periodic review of activities in the wellhead protection zone can alert system managers for changes that may affect their source in the future. Knowing the factors that may affect a groundwater source allows decisions to be made to either mitigate or resolve problems, or potential problems, before they become major emergencies. Knowing the operating costs of each source also adds valuable information when considering on-going or future investments in the source and available alternatives.