Cross Connections

Drinking Water

Sheep Creek Cove (SCC) has completed a Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) Plan for its public drinking water sources as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act and by State Rules R309-600 and R309-605. SCC draws water from a spring and from a surface water infiltration well. The surface water infiltration well is located on Sheep Creek. The land around Sheep Creek is predominantly under private ownership with the exception of some land which is owned by the United States Forest Service. Please see the figures for a map of the watershed area, source protection zones and general areas of concern around the Sheep Creek Infiltration Well. (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 below)

The general types of potential contamination sources located within the source protection zones for the Sheep Creek Infiltration Well include the following:

1. Septic systems within the SCC development and upgradient areas along sheep creek that may contribute to surface water.
2. Grazing areas for livestock may be a PCS due to the potential for E.Coli. contamination in surface runoff.
3. Roads (unimproved gravel) connecting the development within the protection zones are a PCS if vehicles on the road leak oil, gas, or other fluids.
4. Pit toilets associated with the Pavilion (community use area) of SCC.

The Sheep Creek Infiltration Well is highly susceptible to contamination due to its very nature as a surface water source. The source is susceptible from surface water runoff near grazing cattle, mingling with outflow from septic systems, and potential leaks from vehicles utilizing the roads near the creek and within the protection zones. The fact that the grazing livestock are in areas that are also somewhat forested may impede runoff but not stop it. The intake source, by nature of its location near Sheep Creek and the fact that it draws water from a mixed surface source, is highly susceptible to accidental contamination.