Wellhead Protection Program

Wellhead Protection is a program focused on protecting drinking water from potential contamination.  Protection of groundwater (e.g., aquifers) is critical as it supplies drinking water to the majority of Indiana residents.  It is also important to understand that a sound pollution prevention strategy is far more effective and less expensive than remediating or replacing a contaminated water source.  Public support depends on public awareness, so citizens need to know that many routine activities can affect water quality.  Through cooperation between the citizens in the community, local businesses and the water utility, a collective approach will lead to a dependable water supply for current and future generations.

To help protect the groundwater and our water supply wells from potential contamination, the Town is currently implementing a Wellhead Protection Plan (WHP) Plan.  The WHP Plan focuses on public awareness and education and spill prevention and reporting.  For your reference, a complete copy of Bourbon’s WHP Plan is available at the Town Hall located at 104 East Park Avenue, Bourbon, Indiana.  For more information or to join the local planning team and assist with the implementation of the WHP Plan, contact Steve Walsh, Bourbon Utilities Operator-In-Charge, at (574) 342-4755.  Refer to the WHP Plan brochure Protecting Your Drinking Water: Wellhead Protection for more information.

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

The Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is provided to water utility customers each year and is designed to keep customers informed about the water utility and the quality of the drinking water over the previous year.  The Bourbon Water Department’s goal is to provide the community with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water.  The most recent Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is available at Town Hall or by clicking here.

Household Tips for Protecting Our Drinking Water Supply

• Learn about groundwater and your water source. 
• Participate in watershed clean-up activities.
• Reduce the amount of fertilizers, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals that you use. Buy only what you need so that you don't have to dispose of leftovers. Read all the labels and follow directions.
• Plug abandoned wells on your property as these old wells provide a direct route for surface contamination to reach ground water supplies.  Contact a licensed well driller for assistance.
• If you have a septic system, have it inspected and serviced every three years. 
• Check your car, boat, motorcycle and other machinery for leaks and spills.  Collect leaks with a drip pan until repairs can be made.  Clean up spills by absorbing the spill.  Do not rinse with water or allow it to soak into the ground.
• Reduce the use of products that contain any of the following words on their labels: caution, warning, danger, poison, flammable, volatile, caustic or corrosive.
• Recycle used oil, automotive fluids, batteries, household hazardous wastes and other products. Do not dispose of hazardous products in toilets, storm drains, wastewater systems, creeks, alleys or the ground. These actions pollute the water supply. Refer to the Marshall County Solid Waste District website for contacts and recycling information.​​​​​​

Private Septic Systems

As a part of the WHP Program, septic systems within the WHP areas were identified. Leachate from an improperly maintained septic system has the potential to directly affect groundwater used for our public water supply.  Refer to the Homeowners Guide Septic System brochure for Information regarding the proper functioning and maintenance of your septic system.  Additional permitting information on septic systems is provided by the Marshall County Health Department.

Abandoned, Active and Inactive Water Wells

The Town of Bourbon is attempting to identify active, inactive and abandoned wells within the WHP areas.  Damaged wells can become a direct conduit for surface contamination to reach the underlying aquifer.  We ask for your assistance in identifying abandoned or inactive wells on your property.  Please contact the Bourbon Water Department with relevant information.

Water wells are abandoned if the original purpose and use of the well has been discontinued for more than 5 years or if the well is in a state of disrepair.  If the well was abandoned after January 1, 1988, a licensed water well driller must be used to plug the well.  The licensed driller will complete a record of the abandonment and submit it to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  If a well was abandoned prior to 1988, refer to the Plugging & Sealing Abandoned Water Wells brochure provided by the IDNR.

We believe that an effective program of pollution prevention is everyone’s responsibility.  By assisting us in this endeavor, you help ensure that the citizens of Bourbon and surrounding communities will have a safe water supply now and in the future.  If you have any questions or concerns or desire additional information on wellhead protection, please contact Steve Walsh at (574) 342-4755.