Source Water Protection Plans A case study of the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Central MS

Overview What is a source water protection plan? Where are they needed? Who is responsible? When and how are plans developed? Why are they important for long-term sustainability?

Legal Requirements SDWA Amendments of 1996 Requires Source Water Assessments –Primary Protection Area –Pollutant Sources –Risk Assessment Source Water Protection is optional (for now).

Source Water Protection “Pollution prevention is far preferable to the remediation or treatment of a contaminated source” - Water Research Foundation, 2010 “Every 1% increase in turbidity results in a 0.25% increase in treatment costs” - Dearmont, 1998 “Improved water treatment, while necessary, is not sufficient by itself to protect public water supplies.” - Kitchell, 2001

WHERE IS SWP NEEDED?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? Public Utility Government –(EPA, State, Dept of Health, Local) Source Water Owner Residents/Users of the Watershed Customers

Case Study Ross Barnett Reservoir in Central MS –SWPP part of a Comprehensive Watershed Protection and Restoration effort –3,000 square mile watershed –31,000 acre reservoir –Supplies 20 MGD of water to Jackson

SWPP Elements 1.Vision statement and goals 2.Source water characterization 3.Action plan 4.Program implementation

Vision Statement “The Ross Barnett Reservoir provides a safe and reliable supply of drinking water at a reasonable cost for water customers. Ross Barnett Reservoir is protected by a highly motivated, enlightened citizenry of central Mississippi who have a passion for the sustainability of this valuable resource and its contribution to their quality of life.” Element 1

Goals Manage the land of the watershed using responsible land stewardship practices. Restore or improve areas of the watershed that are contributing to problems. Sustain the Reservoir as a safe and reliable source of drinking. Maintain a healthy watershed to protect the quantity, quality, and cost of the drinking water. Element 1

Characterization Water quality data in the Reservoir and Watershed –Elevated turbidity/TOC after rain events –Nutrients –Current use pesticides Raw water and finished water –Turbidity –Bacteria –Manganese, Iron, Color (Secondary Standards) –Disinfection byproducts Element 2

Characterization (cont’d) Potential Contaminant Source Inventory –Identify –Locate Emergency Preparedness Element 2

Contaminant Sources Direct Spill Permitted discharge from regulated sources Nonpoint sources Element 2

Potential Contaminant Source Inventory

Bridge Marina Stormwater Outfall

Action Plan Committed work group to administer Plan Coordinate with existing Local, State, and Federal programs Public education and outreach BMPs in direct drainage area and the watershed Element 3

Best Management Practices Incorporate green infrastructure practices in retrofitting and future development Encourage vegetated areas for discharging on site generated wash water. Incorporate constructed wetlands/filters strips for stormwater, especially when it is discharged in the PPA. Element 3

Watershed BMPs Encourage aesthetically pleasing BMPs –wetlands, rain gardens, grassy swales, tree plantings, vegetated buffer strips Encourage riparian buffer conservation or restoration. Provide hazardous (household) waste collection sites.

BMPs in the PPA Install oil/water separators (parking lots/gas stations). Perform routine street sweeping along the road and bridges. Provide and maintain pet waste receptacles at public boat ramps, parks, and walking trails. Incorporate permeable pavement or pavers where appropriate. Element 3

Action Plan, Cont. Water quality monitoring Appropriate legislation for enforceable mechanisms Emergency management first-responder training

Program Implementation Coordinate regulatory and voluntary programs Evaluation and revision Performance measures Funding Element 4

WHY ARE SWPPs IMPORTANT? Healthy watershed Sustainable resource Treatment cost Quality of life

Program Challenges Who is responsible? Engaging Watershed Residents who are not Water Customers Find/Retain local champions Maintain momentum

Program Successes The Big Picture –Comprehensive Watershed Approach (restoration, monitoring, education, source water protection) Developing partnerships –Source Water Protection Work Group Community events (WaterFest) Outreach materials

Questions?