Surface Water Management Division

What Are The Threats to Groundwater?

Pet and Live Stock Waste

Improperly stored animal waste can lead to bacterial contamination of drinking water. Animal wastes used to fertilize pastures and gardens that have not been properly composted can lead to bacterial contamination of drinking water as well.

Common Household Chemicals

Common chemicals such as spilled motor oil and some septic system additives; can percolate into the aquifer, contaminating your well. Proper use and disposal of chemicals can prevent contamination.

Septic Systems

Properly constructed and maintained, on site waste water treatment systems are effective at treating common household waste water. However, many older or un-maintained on-site treatment systems are no longer effectively treating the waste water. Maintaining your septic system and periodically testing your well water can prevent or identify problems before they develop.

Underground Storage Tanks

Underground heating oil tanks can leak, contaminating your drinking water. If you use heating oil, have your tank tested for leaks. If you no longer use your heating oil tank, have it properly decommissioned.

Well Seals

Over time the seal that prevents contaminants from traveling down the outside of the well casing can deteriorate. Failing well seals are most commonly a problem with older, sometimes orphaned, wells that are found on many properties in Snohomish County.