Groundwater - Future Groundwater Management

The nation's groundwater management is highly fragmented, with responsibilities spread over many federal, state, and local programs. Unique legal authorities at each government level allow for controlling one or more of the groundwater threats discussed here. For groundwater management to be successful in protecting and conserving this resource, these various authorities need to complement one another to allow for comprehensive management. Programs such as the EPA's groundwater protection strategy, which places greater emphasis on comprehensive state management of groundwater resources, the SDWA-mandated wellhead protection, and source water assessment and protection programs are a good beginning.