Grant Program Enables Wide Variety of Local Source Water Protection Programs
Date: August 15, 2022
Every year, the NHDES Local Source Water Protection Grant Program supports the development and implementation of projects to protect existing and proposed sources of public drinking water. This year, $248,761 was awarded for thirteen projects to protect drinking water throughout the state. These projects include:
- Collecting and tracking sodium chloride data in aquifers that contribute to wells in Dover.
- Drainage analysis and hydrologic assessment to identify sediment and nutrient loading to Paugus Bay in Laconia.
- Updating the local groundwater protection ordinances for multiple New Hampshire communities.
- Developing materials for public education regarding improving local source protection.
- Three security enhancement projects to protect wells and sanitary protection areas from vandalism or potential contamination.
Projects like these, as well as the others that were funded in this grant round, can greatly affect many people. With climate change impacts such as flooding, sea level rise, and severe storms increasing in New Hampshire, it is more important than ever to take action to protect our sources of drinking water.