Methods for Segmentation of Source-water Protection Areas and Susceptibility Assessment to Contamination for Public Surface-water Systems, and Their Application to an Intake, Aiken, South Carolina
Author(s)
Lanier, Timothy H.
Falls, W. Fred
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Methods were determined for segmentation of source-water protection areas for South Carolina's surface-water intakes and for assessment of the relative susceptibility of these drinking-water intakes to potential contaminant sources as part of the South Carolina Source-Water Assessment Program. Flow velocities for South Carolina streams were compared with estimated velocities from an empirical method of estimating traveltime to select appropriate regression equations for calculating Piedmont and Coastal Plain stream velocities. These velocities were used to calculate 24-hour travel distances upstream from intakes on streams and upstream from the headwaters of reservoirs with intakes. The subwatersheds adjoining each 24-hour travel distance were delineated as the primary source-water protection area. Overland-flow and ground-water zones of concern were used to delineate three susceptibility zones in the source-water-protection area. Each potential contaminant source was assigned a low-, moderate-, or high-susceptibility ranking as determined by location in the susceptibility zones and associated potential contaminants. On the basis of the inventory of selected potential contaminant sources, the susceptibility determination indicated that the Aiken intake is susceptible to potential sources of volatile organic compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and metals. The methods were recommended to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for consideration as part of the South Carolina Source-Water Assessment Program.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
1999-03
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings