PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS EDUCATION SYSTEM

Sources of Pollution (11)

Common sources of pollution of private water supply systems include:
  1. Fuel Storage Tanks
  2. Septic Systems
  3. Pesticide Mixing Areas
  4. Hazardous Waste
  5. Manure Storage
  6. Livestock Yard
  7. Silage Effluent

Fuel Storage Tanks

Fuel Spill The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 25% of this nation's fuel tanks may be leaking fuel into the ground. That number is probably higher in rural areas, since many farmers buy fuel tanks second hand. Petroleum fuels contain highly toxic compounds - including benzene, xylene, toluene, and lead - which have been found to cause cancer and other adverse health effects.

All underground and surface fuel tanks should be closely monitered for leaks and spills. Aged or corroded tanks should be replaced. It does not pay to ignore a problem with a storage tank, as most insurance companies no longer protect storage tank owner's from liability for gasoline cleanup costs if the owner's tank pollutes ground water.

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Septic Systems

Septic System Failed septic systems are a common source of nitrate, bacteria, viruses, and household cleaning agents in ground water. While septic systems are generally built to last 20 years, researches at the University of Missouri have found that 75% of the home septic systems in that state fail within 2 to 3 years.

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Pesticide Mixing Areas

Pesticide Mixing Areas Pesticide mixing areas are very vulnerable spots. Spilling just 4 oz. of a chemical in a 100 square foot area is equivalent to applying 100 pounds per acre.

Careless disposal practices also pose a serious threat to surface and ground waters. Even empty containers need to be disposed of properly.

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Hazardous Waste (11)

Most states now regulate hazardous waste disposal of business waste - such as left over pesticide - making it illegal to dispose on-farm. Improper disposal of wastes can lead to ground pollution by concentrating the pollutants at one site. The most common on-farm, risky disposal practices include disposal of paint cans (lead and mercury source), solvents, batteries (acid and lead source), and used motor oil.

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Manure Storage (11)

Besides polluting water with nitrates and phosphates, manure can be a source of bacteria and other pathogens that pose a serious health risk. Many of the 150 diseases that animals can transmit to humans can be found in manure.

Manure storage over bedrock and overflows from liquid facilities can pose risks to ground- and nearby surface water. Manure in earthen pits generally forms a ground seal of organic matter that limits leaching potential, but seasonal emptying and filling can cause the seal to break down. In addition, abandoned storage facilities present high risks to water sources.

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Livestock Yards (11)

Livestock Yards Barnyards can be a major source of water pollution, especially when heavy rains flush animal wastes into nearby streams, lakes, or drainageways. Ground water is also vulnerable in areas having a high water table, shallow depth to bedrock, or very permeable soil.

Reducing the amount of water flowing over the barnyard will help control pollutionrisks. For example, placing gutters on rooftops near the barnyard to collect and divert rainfall would help. This clean water, and runoff from upslope lands should then be diverted.

Also, water that falls on the barnyard should be collected in concrete settling basins and the solids allowed to settle. Liquids can then be allowed to flow over a grassed area where the remaining pollutants can be filtered out.

Manure should be applied to fields according to a well-timed nutrient plan.

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Silage Effluent (11)

Pit or trench silos, or those with earthen floors pose pollution risks to ground water. High-moisture silage (65% and up) tends to produce an effluent. Grass silage at 75% moisture produces only a trickle, but at 85% moisture this increases to 79 gallons per ton silage.

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