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Wellhead Protection Program
The City of Marshall continuously manages a comprehensive program to protect the City's groundwater supply. The area at risk for impacting the City's groundwater is defined as the Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA). The City's wellhead Protection Area was defined in 1998 and approved by the State of Michigan with the most recent approval of the Wellhead Protection Program Plan (WHPPP). The WHPA represents the zone around the City's well field, identified by geologic and hydraulic factors, that is observed to prevent contamination of the water supply. A majority of the WHPA lies north of the City limits in portions of Marshall, Marengo, Lee, and Convis Townships. The majority of land use in this area consists is agriculture.
When the wellhead protection area was originally established residents within the area were given surveys and asked to investigate if their property had any unused well. Once the survey data was received the City of Marshall worked with interested property owners to properly abandon and plug existing wells to protect the groundwater. Beyond the wellhead protection area, the plan also includes public education and participation, as well as a strategy to handle emergencies concerning the water supply. Other community-wide efforts include groundwater education programs at local schools and the installation of new signs identifying the WHPA. A WHPA Committee, made up of City staff and local stakeholders, was formed to aid in the management of the WHPA Management Plan.
Wellhead protection committee members
- Marguerite Davenport, City of Marshall (Public Services Director)
- Aaron Ambler, City of Marshall (Water Superintendent)
- Marcia Strange, City of Marshall (Director Community Development)
- Martin Erskine, City of Marshall (Fire Chief)
- John Miller, Oaklawn Hospital
- Kevin Green, Calhoun County
- Ryan Reincke, Calhoun Conservation District
- David Wagoner, Calhoun County Public Health Dept.
- Maureen Reed, Retired CCCD Director (Education)