August 31, 2005

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that 50 communities would receive more than $682,000 through the Wellhead Protection Grant Program to safeguard public water supply systems. The program provides communities with financial assistance to protect their groundwater supplies from contamination. As part of the Wellhead Protection Program, communities delineate the land area contributing drinking water to their public wells, identify potential contaminants within that area, and implement management strategies and educational activities to protect the water supply.

“The importance of a safe drinking water supply for Michigan’s citizens cannot be overstated,” Director Chester said. “The funds awarded through this grant program will provide communities with the resources necessary to protect our public groundwater supplies for future generations."

The next round of applications will be solicited from public water supply systems in May 2006.

Information on specific grants is available through the following link: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-wb-dwehs-swpu-2006whpgrantawardees.pdf. Questions regarding the program can be directed to Scott Ross, Chief of the DEQ’s Source Water Protection Unit at 517-335-3385.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised August 31, 2005 by Pat Watson