Groundwater and Drinking Water Regulatory Review and Update

A grant from the NHDES Local Sourcewater Protection Program is providing funding for SRPC to help municipalities update their local groundwater and drinking water protection regulations. Clarification of the provisions through minor to moderate amendments to existing ordinances will strengthen the protection of drinking water resources and make them more enforceable. SRPC will also develop educational materials to help residents understand the proposed updates.

A gap analysis has taken place for 11 of SRPC’s communities, those with groundwater ordinances. The analysis identified potential amendments to bring each ordinance up to date and be consistent with the NH DES model ordinance.

In response, SRPC is now working with the towns of Middleton, Wakefield, Rollinsford and Nottingham to incorporate guidance from the NHDES Model Groundwater Protection Ordinance that meet the communities’ objectives and fit within the project timeline and budget. Overlay district amendments are being drafted with corresponding Aquifer and Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) maps. Next steps include planning board review in each town.