Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)

A Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) is a designated zone surrounding a well that supplies public drinking water. Its purpose is to protect the groundwater that feeds the well from contamination. The area is carefully mapped based on how water moves underground, so that land use activities—like agriculture, industry, or waste disposal—can be managed to prevent pollutants from reaching the water source. Protecting the WHPA helps ensure safe, clean drinking water for communities by reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.