On March 15, 1991, the Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA) began its Ground Water/Wellhead Protection Program by creating the position of Groundwater Technician.  The Groundwater Technician provides assistance to small public water supply systems throughout the State of Wisconsin.   This assistance helps small systems protect their well recharge areas from contamination.

If ground water becomes contaminated it is very difficult to clean up.  In many cases the source can not be cleaned up at a reasonable cost and the water must be treated or the source abandoned as a public water supply. Prevention of ground water pollution is the goal of this program.

Through a five step process, State Affiliate Ground Water Technicians help water system decision makers implement wellhead protection plans.

The five steps are:

1. The selections of a community planning team.

2. Defining the area that needs protection.

3. Identify the problems that may contaminate the supply.

4. Begin management of sources in the protection area.

5. Planning for the future.

It is estimated that ninety-seven percent of Wisconsin's cities and villages and nearly all of rural Wisconsin relies on groundwater for fresh water needs.  The purpose of the Wellhead Protection Planning Assistance Program is to continue the expansion of the present WRWA program through the additional Groundwater Technician position.