Groundwater/Wellhead Protection
The Department of Environmental Management administers a number of programs with groundwater protection as either the sole objective or one of several objectives. These programs include several source control regulations in the Office of Waste Management (e.g., underground storage tanks, solid waste facilities, groundwater remediation). Within the Office of Water Resources source control regulations for groundwater protection are the Underground Injection Control Program and the Individual Sewage Disposal System Program. The two long-standing Programs below within the Office of Water Resources establish a framework for groundwater protection in Rhode Island.
Groundwater Classifications and Standards
The DEM "Rules and Regulations for Groundwater Quality" classified the state's groundwaters into four classes and established groundwater quality standards for each class. The classifications provide a system for setting priorities in the state's regulatory and enforcement programs. Groundwater classified GAA and GA is to be protected to maintain drinking water quality, and underlies approximately 20% and 70% of the state, respectively. Groundwater classified G and GC are known or presumed unsuitable for drinking water. For more information see the Summary of Groundwater Classification.
Wellhead Protection
The purpose of this program is to provide increased protection at the state and local level for the area contributing water to public wells (wellhead protection area or WHPA). DEM sets a high priority for source control and remediation efforts in the WHPAs. The three key elements of the Program are:
- Delineation of the WHPAs by DEM;
- Inventory of known and potential sources of contamination in the WHPAs done by the municipalities and water suppliers; and
- The development and implementation of protection Plans by the municipalities and the water suppliers.
For more information contact:
Ernie Panciera
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Individual Sewage Disposal Systems
Underground Injection Control
Groundwater Certification
Private Wells
If you require the free Acrobat Reader software Click Here
Rules and Regulations for Groundwater Quality (Eff. 5/15/06)
Groundwater Classification Summary
Groundwater Comprehensive Plan Review Criteria
RI Groundwater Conditions
GW Classification and WHPA Maps
2006 305(b) Report, Chapter IV Groundwater Quality
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