Section 6: Water Quality

							     GROUNDWATER PROTECTION ACTION PLAN




Section 6: Water Quality



                 October 2009
                               Section 6: Water Quality

Contents
Water Quality
   Introduction and Model Policy
   Attachments:
       Attachment A: Coal Tar Sealants Model Ordinance
       Attachment B: Phosphorous Model Ordinance
       Attachment C: Medication Disposal Model Policy




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                                  Section 6: Water Quality


Introduction

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of the U.S. population receives
its drinking water from groundwater sources. In McHenry County, 100% of our population receives its
drinking water from groundwater, with no other options available. Keeping our groundwater resource
free from contaminants requires careful planning as a variety of human activities impact water quality.
Pollution sources can range from industry, pesticides, fertilizers, livestock wastes, storm water runoff
from agricultural and urban sources, and household wastes.

Summary of Recommendations

Below are water quality action items that have been recommended by the McHenry County
Groundwater Protection Action Plan Task Force:

       All local governments within McHenry County should consider adopting and implementing:
             o “Model” Coal Tar Ordinance
             o “Model” Phosphorus Ordinance
             o “Model” Winter Snow and Ice Operations Policy
             o “Model” Groundwater Recharge Policy
             o “Model” Pollution Prevention Policy
                      “Model” Groundwater Protection Regulations – Chemical Substance Controls.
                      “Model” Medication Disposal Policy

            o   Local Health Departments should work together to establish a consistent and
                standardized process for evaluation of existing onsite wastewater treatment systems
                and water wells for real estate transactions, property refinancing, etc. The process
                should include an educational component to assist property owners, real estate
                attorneys and realtors in properly interpreting evaluation results.

       The Solid Waste Manager of McHenry County should continue to work with local governments
        and other stakeholders to increase the number of pharmaceutical disposal sites and other types
        of waste recycling facilities.

       The McHenry County Department of Health should continue to work toward development and
        implementation of a maintenance program for onsite wastewater treatment systems and
        identify the funding and infrastructure required to implement such a program.

       The McHenry County Department of Health should evaluate the potential to implement an
        inventory and monitoring program for private water wells. This could include a reminder
        program for annual water sample analysis.



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                                Section 6: Water Quality

Additionally, the Groundwater Protection Action Plan Task Force recommends the following educational
action items for water quality protection:

              The McHenry County Department of Health should continue to work with local
               governments, onsite wastewater treatment professionals, water well drillers, realtors,
               and other stakeholders to educate private homeowners in the care and maintenance of
               private water wells and the proper operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater
               treatment systems.

      Additional educational materials should be developed by the Solid Waste Manager of McHenry
       County, McHenry County Department of Health and McHenry County Water Resources
       regarding:
           o Prevention of chloride contamination of groundwater,
           o Proper disposal of medications, personal care products and other household products,
           o Proper use and disposal of pesticides,
           o Household hazardous waste collection.

      McHenry County Department of Health should continue to update and expand the educational
       materials regarding private water wells and onsite wastewater treatment systems which are
       available on the Department’s website.

      McHenry County Department of Health should consider promoting an Onsite Wastewater
       Treatment Month similar to Safe Drinking Water Month.




Groundwater Protection Action Plan                                                             Page 4