Source Water Protection Area (SPA)
The area from which a public water system draws its drinking water, where contamination prevention is critical.
A Source Water Protection Area (SPA) encompasses the zone from which water flows or could flow to a public drinking water supply, whether from surface water intakes or groundwater wells. SPAs are defined through source water assessments that evaluate the susceptibility of drinking water sources to contamination from various threats, including leaking underground storage tanks.
The identification of UST facilities and LUST releases within SPAs is a key element of environmental risk assessment. Sites within these protected zones may face heightened regulatory scrutiny, accelerated cleanup requirements, and more stringent monitoring obligations. The EPA UST database flags each facility's relationship to source water protection areas.
Source water protection is a proactive approach to safeguarding drinking water quality. By identifying and managing potential contamination sources like USTs within these areas, communities can reduce the risk of costly water treatment upgrades and protect public health. Many states offer enhanced financial assistance for UST cleanup activities within source water protection areas.
Related Terms
A designated zone around a public water supply well where contamination poses a direct threat to drinking water quality.
Groundwater ContaminationThe pollution of underground water sources by petroleum products or hazardous substances from leaking USTs or other sources.
UST ComplianceAdherence to federal and state regulations governing the installation, operation, and closure of underground storage tank systems.
RemediationThe process of cleaning up contaminated soil, groundwater, or other environmental media at a LUST or hazardous waste site.