Water Source Protection
Marco Bruni, seecon international gmbh
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Included in the SSWM Toolbox are materials from various organisations and sources. Those materials are open source. Following the opensource concept for capacity building and non-profit use, copying and adapting is allowed provided proper acknowledgement of the source is made (see below). The publication of these materials in the SSWM Toolbox does not alter any existing copyrights. Material published in the SSWM Toolbox for the first time follows the same open-source concept, with all rights remaining with the original authors or producing organisations.
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Disclaimer
The contents of the SSWM Toolbox reflect the opinions of the respective authors and not necessarily the official opinion of the funding or supporting partner organisations.
Depending on the initial situations and respective local circumstances, there is no guarantee that single measures described in the toolbox will make the local water and sanitation system more sustainable. The main aim of the SSWM Toolbox is to be a reference tool to provide ideas for improving the local water and sanitation situation in a sustainable manner. Results depend largely on the respective situation and the implementation and combination of the measures described. An in-depth analysis of respective advantages and disadvantages and the suitability of the measure is necessary in every single case. We do not assume any responsibility for and make no warranty with respect to the results that may be obtained from the use of the information provided.
Water Source Protection

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Contents
1. Introduction
2. Health Aspects - How Can Water Source Protection Optimise my
Local Water System?
3. Characteristics of Pathogens and Contaminants
4. Approaches to Water Source Protection/ Water Protection Plan
5. Surface Water Source Protection Measures
6. Groundwater Source Protection Measures
7. References
Water Source Protection
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Need for Water Source Protection
Water Source Protection
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How Can Water Source Protection Optimise my Local Water System?
• Water source protection involves the protection of surface water sources (e.g. lakes, rivers, man-made reservoirs) and groundwater sources (e.g. springs, dug wells, drilled wells) to avoid water contamination.
• The very slow flow of groundwater makes rehabilitation of
contaminated aquifers both costly and time-intensive.
• Establishing adequate water source protection has been recognised as the most suitable and cost-effective method to keep contaminants out of drinking water and making costly water purification measures and construction of new wells
unnecessary.
Water Source Protection
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Types of Pathogens and Contaminants
• Bacteria
• e.g. Salmonella,
Escherichia coli,
Campylobacter
• Viruses
• e.g. Rotavirus,
Hepatitis
• Parasitic protozoa
• e.g. Giardia
• Helminths (worms)
• e.g. Trichuris trichiura
Water Source Protection
• Inorganic chemicals
• e.g. nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, chloride
• Organic chemicals
• e.g. petro-chemicals
(oil, diesel), solvents, drugs, pesticides
• (Heavy) metals
• e.g. cadmium, copper, lead, mercury
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Sources of Pathogens and Contaminants
• Underground storage tanks
• Chemical storage
• Accidental spills of hazardous materials
• Spreading of sewage treatment sludge
• Septic systems
• Animal feedlots
Water Source Protection
Source: BUCHANAN et al. (2010)
• Storage and spreading of road salt
• Underground pipelines or sewers
• Use and spilling of fertilisers and pesticides
• Landfills
• Private and abandoned wells
Source: CONSERVATION ONTARION (2009)
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Dispersion of Pathogens and Contaminants
Migration of contaminants in an unconfined (left) and a confined
(right) aquifer.
Movement of insoluble contaminants in ground water:
Oil spills (lighter than water) accumulate on the water table and spread horizontally.
Source: WAL (2010)
Water Source Protection
Adapted from FREEZE et al. (n.y.)
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Prevent, Treat, Restore
As many surface water sources are used for drinking water purposes, protection is vital. Generally, three basic strategies exist for protection:
• Prevention: No discharge of waste, pollutants or untreated water from domestic, industrial or agricultural use; optimised water use and practices in agriculture in order to stop nutrients from entering aquatic systems (e.g. establishing buffer zones).
• Treatment: treatment of polluted water prior to discharge;
Stormwater management: Ensuring that run-off can not transport pollutants untreated into water bodies.
• Restore Ecosystems: Enable or support natural rehabilitation processes.
UNEP (2010)
Water Source Protection
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Institutional Frameworks support Implementation of Protection
Implementing water source protection requires a legal framework. This usually involves a protection plan, which formulates responsibilities, specific protection measures and basic rules that apply for all community members and water source users.
Water Source Protection
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Several Actions – One Objective
Step 1: Location/ Siting of the Water Source
• Don’t construct the well/spring close to potential sources for contamination, stick to minimum distance rules, respectively.
Water Source Protection
Source: COLLINS (2000)
Source: WSP (n.y.)
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Several Actions – One Objective
Step 2: Construction of Spring- and Well Protection
Springs can be protected by installation of a spring tapping, a
spring box and an adequate
drainage system.
Drilled and dug wells need a proper sealing.
• An apron guarantees that no contaminants enter the well from the access point area.
• An impermeable lining (for dug wells) or casing (for drilled wells) makes sure, that no close-tosurface-water enters the well.
• Drainage keeps the area dry
Water Source Protection
Source: SMET & WIJK (2002)
Source: NABUUR (n.y.)
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Several Actions – One Objective
Step 3: Fencing
In a fenced, inner protection zone (with a radius of 10 – 20 m), all activities posing a risk of contamination are restricted (e.g. farming, grazing, firing, application of pesticides and fertilisers, construction of latrines, use of chemicals, etc.).
An extended protection zone (at least 100m in radius) should be put up to increase protection.
Source: MEULI & WEHRLE (2001)
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Water Source Protection

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Several Actions – One Objective
Step 4: Set up Rules for all Community Members
Any protection plan rises and falls with the behaviour of the community members, their attitude towards the plan and their knowledge.
Besides the installation of constructional measures, simple rules should be set up and communicated by a local caretaker.
Such rules can involve:
• Don’t defecate close to the well,
• Don’t let your animals graze close to the well,
• Don’t through any garbage into the well, etc.
Water Source Protection
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Several Actions – One Objective
Step 5: Management of Operation and Maintenance
Only adequate operation by the water users and frequent maintenance by a local caretaker can ensure a safe long-term usability of the water point. Operation and maintenance activities are best organised through a local management plan.
The remit of a caretaker involves the:
• Inspection, cleaning and repair of spring installations and well (e.g. cracks in the apron, leaking parts, etc.)
• Monitoring activities in the surrounding area
• Up keeping the protection zone/ repair of the fence
• Check for appropriate operation by users and provide health education.
OXFAM (n.y.)
• Check whether the basic rules are respected by the users
Water Source Protection
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Several Actions – One Objective
Step 6: Seal/Plug Abandoned and Unused Wells
Abandoned wells:
• Can allow surface run-off to directly enter an aquifer, contaminating the aquifer and wells;
• Can be a physical safety threat, as they are often not marked or covered, and can pose a hazard to people or animals that might fall into them.
MANCE (n.y.)
Source: MANCE (n.y.)
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Water Source Protection

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7. References 1/2
BUCHANAN, B.; DE LA CRUZ, N; MACPHERSON, J.; WILLIAMSON, K. (2010): Water Wells that Last for Generations. Edmonton:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. URL: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/wwg404
[Accessed: 23.04.2012].
COLLINS, S. (2000): Hand-dug Shallow Wells. St. Gallen: Swiss Centre for Development Cooperation in Technology and
Management (SKAT). URL: http://www.skat.ch/publications/prarticle.2005-09-29.5069774463/prarticle.2006-11-
02.8410562785/skatpublication.2005-10-31.1053710342/file [Accessed: 22.03.2012].
CONSERVATION ONTARIO (2009): Wellhead Protection Areas. Newmarket: Conservation Ontario. URL: http://www.conservationontario.ca/source_protection/files/ODWSP%202009%20Finals/ODWSP_FAQS_wellhead_EN_2009_02_27_
WEB.pdf
[Accessed: 17.04.2012].
FREEZE, R.A.; ATWATER, J.; LIEBSCHER, H. (N.Y.): Water Stewardship. Ground Water Resources of British Colombia. Victoria: The
Province of British Columbia. URL: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/plan_protect_sustain/groundwater/gwbc/C05_contamination.html
[Accessed: 17.04.2012].
MANCE, E. (n.y.): A Landowner’s Guide to Water Wall Management. Ottawa: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. URL: http://www.swa.ca/Publications/Documents/ALandownersGuidetoWaterWell%20Management.pdf
[Accessed: 17.04.2012].
MEULI, C.; WEHRLE, K. (2001): Spring Catchment. St. Gallen: Swiss Centre for Development Cooperation in Technology and
Management (SKAT). URL: http://www.skat.ch/publications/prarticle.2005-09-29.5069774463/prarticle.2006-11-
02.8410562785/skatpublication.2005-10-27.4727403982/file [Accessed: 22.03.2012].
NABUUR (n.y.): Protected dug well in Uganda. Amersfoort: Nabuur. URL: http://www.nabuur.com/en/village/nakyerongosa/project/task/integrated-community-managed-water-hygiene-and-sanitationimprovem [Accessed: 15.03.2012].
Water Source Protection
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7. References 2/2
OXFAM (n.y.): Spring Protection. Technical Brief. Oxford: Oxfam International. URL: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/downloads/emerg_manuals/draft_oxfam_tech_brief_springprotect.pdf
[Accessed:
17.04.2012].
SMET, J. (Editor); WIJK, C. van (Editor) (2002): Small Community Water Supplies: Technology, People and Partnership: Spring
Water Tapping - Chapter 8. The Hague: International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC). URL: http://www.irc.nl/page/1917
[Accessed: 29.02.2012].
UNEP (2010): Clearing the Waters. A Focus on Water Quality Solutions. Oakland: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
URL: http://www.unep.org/PDF/Clearing_the_Waters.pdf
[Accessed: 23.04.2012].
WAL, A. van der (2010): Understanding Groundwater & Wells in Manual Drilling. Instruction Handbook for Manual Drilling Teams on Hydro-geology for Well Drilling, Well Installation and Well Development. Papendrecht: PRACTICA Foundation. URL: http://www.unicef.org/wash/files/04.pdf
[Accessed: 21.03.2012].
WSP (n.y.): Latrines Comic. Washington D.C.: Water and Sanitation Program (WSP). URL: http://www.wsp.org/userfiles/image/june2007.jpg
[Accessed: 23.06.2010].
Water Source Protection
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Linking up Sustainable Sanitation,
Water Management & Agriculture
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Water Source Protection