Previously, this column has discussed a wide range of water issues, but for this month, let's look in our own back yard. How many of you knew before you saw the title of this month's column that Middleburg has a Wellhead Protection Committee?

I didn't know it until June of this year when I was asked to consider becoming a member. Saying yes, within a few days I received a letter from the Town Council saying that I was appointed for a two year term.

The committee, all non-paid volunteers, has met monthly since July.

So what is the purpose of the Middleburg Wellhead Protection Committee and what does it do? To answer the question, we first should look at Middleburg's drinking water supply.

Middleburg's drinking water source is groundwater that is supplied by five wells. Middleburg is in an area were the geology is complicated and groundwater occurs intermittently, so finding an adequate fresh water supply was sort of catch as catch can.

One of the wells is south of town on Landmark School Road, two are on Salamander property, and the other two are in town, one near the corner of West Federal and 626, and the other near the standpipe on Marshall Street.

Water from the five wells collectively is Middleburg's 'source water'. A state-of-the-art water treatment plant is located on Marshall Street about one-half mile west of the standpipe and a second plant is just south of town.

When groundwater becomes contaminated, the contamination usually is from surface sources such as spills; the closer to a well, the greater the likelihood of contamination. Contaminated water is more expensive to treat and some contaminants may render water unusable. It has been estimated that the source water protection area for each Middleburg well is a radius of one mile.

The Town Council recognized the need to protect the town's source water and created the Wellhead Protection Committee.

The first task of the committee has been to develop a brochure about protecting our source water. This brochure will be distributed to all Middleburg residents in late December or early January 2013.

The brochure provides practical, common sense suggestions to town residents concerning source water. These suggestions include among others: Apply fertilizers and pesticides strictly according to directions on the packages; recycle used oil at a service center – don't pour on the ground or in storm drains; don't flush unused pharmaceuticals – they can be disposed of by mixing them with coffee grounds or kitty litter and placing in the trash; take unwanted household chemical waste such as paint and personal care products to proper waste collection sites; and check and repair leaks at fuel tanks.

In coming months, the Wellhead Protection Committee will be working with a consultant, Tetra Tech, that has been tasked to update the town's wellhead protection plan. This plan should be ready for presentation to the Town Council early next year.

Members of the committee include Lisa Patterson, Chair; Jilann Brunett, Vice Chair; Mark Snyder, Town Council representative; Charlie Triplett; Michael Haynes; and me. Middleburg Town Clerk, Rhonda North, also participates.

The committee is tasked to protect Middleburg's source water, and it appreciates the support and help of Middleburg residents in this important task.

Happy holidays, everyone!