EC98-791 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’s System for Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 15: Irrigation Wellhead Protection

Authors

Robert Grisso, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
DeLynn Hay, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Paul J. Jasa, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Richard K. Koelsch, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Sharon Skipton, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Wayne Woldt, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1998

Document Type

Article

Comments

© 1998, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Why should I be concerned? Nebraska’s 80,000+ irrigation wells can provide a direct conduit for contaminants to reach groundwater supplies unless properly located, constructed, and protected. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for essentially all of Nebraska’s rural residents and most residents of our towns and cities. It is critical that every effort be made to protect groundwater quality. Irrigation wells can be constructed and maintained to assure that groundwater quality is protected. Improperly constructed or maintained wells can allow bacteria, pesticides, fertilizers, oil products, or other pollutants to contaminate groundwater.