Water Protection Activities in Washtenaw County

Challenge # 8: Ground Water Quantity
For the most part, Washtenaw County has an abundance of
high quality groundwater available for drinking. However, in
the southeast portion of the County, primarily Augusta and
York Townships, the ability to obtain reliable, aesthetically
acceptable water has been a challenge.
Ground Water Quantity Response Objective:
Protect and promote the sustainable use of groundwater in
Washtenaw County.
Ground Water Quantity Response Assessment:
Municipal water supplies have, and can continue to be,
extended to meet growing residential demand.
The Time of Sale program requires that all residences served
by well water be evaluated to ensure a safe and adequate
supply of clean drinking water exists prior to property
transfers.
The County’s Well Regulation requires that permits be
acquired for the installation of new groundwater wells and the
groundwater quantity is sustainable to service the new well. A
Michigan criterion for subsurface disposal addresses wells in
subdivisions. Pump tests are conducted to assure adequate
water supply in subdivisions and test wells must provide water
at a rate of 10 gallons per
minute (gpm).
Additionally, municipal
water supplies have, and
can continue to be,
extended to meet growing
residential demand.
What protection activities
address the challenge of
ground water quantity?
Time of Sale
Well Regulation
Well Restricted Areas
Wellhead Protection
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Water Quantity Case Study:
In 1996, after years of living with low volume wells and
wells going dry, Augusta Township was successful in
obtaining federal funding to aid in providing municipal
water to over 200 homes. This project, which included over
33 miles of water line, was the result of residents and the
Township working together for a common cause. In addition
to the main water extension, the group was able to secure
over $3.5 million in FHA grants and low interest loans to aid
homeowners in connecting to the system.
Well restricted areas or well first areas can be implemented to
assure that new wells are not drilled in areas with limited
ground water quantity.
Wellhead protection planning is a tool that allows municipal
jurisdictions to plan for the wise management of land use
within the recharge area of a public water supply. This tool can
be used to protect groundwater sources from potential threats
that would cause diminished quantity.
The State of Michigan has passed legislation to protect ground
water aquifers that provide drinking water from large threats
like mining and industrial uses in an effort to resolve
withdrawal disputes. The law is limited in scope to high
volume withdrawals of greater than 100,000 gallons per day.
Next Steps:
Continue to support, create and implement programs that
protect groundwater resources in Washtenaw County. Support
efforts to extend municipal water in areas where the reliability
of supply is in question. Perform analysis on the feasibility of
regulatory changes to permit use of hauled water for residential
supply.