APPENDIX J 



CAPE COD AQUIFER MANAGEMENT PROJECT (CCAMP) RECOMMENDATIONS 



PRIVATE WELL PROTECTION 



October 20, 1987 



Introduction 



The community of Eastham was included as one of the two case study 

 towns in the Cape Cod Aquifer Management Project (CCAMP) because there was 

 concern over issues involving groundwater protection in towns dependent on 

 private wells. As a result of CCAMP 's examination of the state of private 

 well protection on Cape Cod, we believe that at a minimum, the two types 

 of guidance documents recommended below are crucial in increasing the 

 protection afforded private wells and in protecting public health. These 

 documents are greatly needed by local Boards of Health and private well 

 owners and will require a minimum amount of effort to produce. We strong- 

 ly urge the implementation of these recommendations in a timely manner. 



AQUIFER ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 



1. The Barnstable County Health and Environment Department and the Cape 

 Cod Planning and Economic Development Commission should jointly devel- 

 op an informational brochure for private well owners and local offi- 

 cials. This brochure should draw on and simplify existing material and 

 cover the following topics in an easily understood manner, using graph- 

 ics where appropriate: 



A. Describe regional hydrology as well as groundwater flow at the lot 

 level and discuss well and septic system siting issues. 



B. Discuss proper disposal practices for household hazardous waste. 



C. Describe how common practices can lead to contamination on one's 

 own property. 



D. Briefly discuss proper well construction; point out common construc- 

 tion problems . 



E. Stress the need for proper well testing. Explain how to interpret 

 well water quality testing results. 



F. Describe proper well abandonment procedures. 



