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Where does your drinking water come from? How might it become contaminated?
At the New Jersey Water Association, we are happy to offer our Groundwater Model as a tool for environmental education at community events, schools, and to groups seeking knowledge about water protection and conservation. Under the Farm Service Agency Source Water Protection Program, we will deliver, setup, and operate the model FREE OF CHARGE!

The Groundwater Model can be used to explain the geological principles that dictate the water cycle and the water sources millions of people use daily to get potable water. The Groundwater Model shows how wells, aquifers, surface water sources, and potential sources of contamination are all connected. The presentation can be modified to accommodate any age group, from preschool to adults!

Contact Source Water Protection Specialist Mitchell Mickley at (609)-661-5026 or mitchellm@njwater.org for more information.
Sourcewater Protection
As of October 2013, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has funded a Source Water Protection Program through the New Jersey Water Association to assist rural and small communities served by public water systems to reduce and/or eliminate potential risks to drinking water sources.

Through the development of Source Water Protction Plans, no-cost assistance is provided to implement contamination prevention measures as prevention is the most cost-effective approach to protecting drinking water sources. Plans benefit both water customers and municipalities alike. Source Water Protection Plans are customized to suit the unique needs of each drinking water supply. Implementation is completely voluntary and proceeds at a pace indicative of the community.

Source Water Protection Plans can include regulatory strategies such as zoning and construction ordinances, regulation of septic tank maintenance, and regulation of hazardous materials or plans can include non-regulatory strategies such as land conservation and public education to reduce contamination threats.

Is Your Community a candidate for Sourcewater Protection?


  • Is there a wellhead, source water, or aquifer ordinance in place? If yes has it ever been invoked to avoid potential contamination?
  • Does the water system own at least 100-200 ft radius around the well or intake? Does the system or township have the ability or intention of purchasing additional land?
  • Does the township have the power of site plan review?
  • Is there an environmental outreach/education program for school children in the township?
  • Is there an active and convenient hazardous waste drop-off program for residents?

 


Groundwater Model
The Groundwater Model is an interactive classroom tool that is designed to show the flow of water and toxins through differing gradients. It can be used in front of a classroom and can be easily used by students. It can demonstrate flow through confined and unconfined aquifers as well as the effects of pumping pressure on these aquifers.
Educational Outreach