Since the source water assessments (SWA) have been completed, the state is
developing guidance for communities for development of a Surface Water Intake
Protection Program (SWIPP). Michigan has a wellhead protection (WHP)
program that has been approved by the USEPA. Since this would be the protection
program for a system that is supplied with groundwater, it is logical to develop
protection programs for surface water systems with the same logic. A SWIPP
should have the same basic seven elements that a WHP program has.These are:
• Defining roles and duties of government units and water supply agencies.
• Designating a source water protection area for each water supply source
based on the state’s defined source water area.
• Identifying potential contaminant sources within each source water
protection area.
• Utilizing management approaches for protection of source water, including
but not limited to education and regulatory approaches.
• Creating contingency plans for public water supply sources including the
location of alternate drinking water sources.
• Assuring proper siting on new water sources to minimize potential
contamination.
• Encouraging public participation.
