Threats to drinking water quality come from a variety of sources. Increased development results in higher densities of roads and non-point sources, such as runoff from driveways, golf courses, and fertilized lawns. Other major sources of non-point pollution are discharges of untreated sewage or locations of individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS), especially when the system is not maintained properly.

Risk of contamination increases with proximity to a wellhead, or when within a groundwater recharge area. Some common threats include disease causing bacteria (e.g.. Fecal coliform and E. coli), high levels of metals (e.g.. mercury), and high levels of nutrients (e.g.. nitrogen and phosphorus).

All sewage disposal in Richmond is currently ISDS. In 1990, Richmond had 1,848 septic tanks or cesspools. (Grow Smart, RI) As housing density increases, relying on ISDS increases risks of wellhead contamination. For this reason, Richmond has applied for a grant to look into a Wastewater Management System, such as that in Hopkinton.

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This map shows point source contamination sites in relation to the groundwater recharge areas. Acronyms are defined below. The Department of Health also inspects public wells for possible contaminants within the well-head protection area (WHPA). This is called SWAP(Source Water Assessment Program). For the results of Richmond's public well inspections, click here. (.XLS file, 84.5K)

Point Source Definitions

ISDS - Individual Subsurface Disposal Systems. These are the septic systems that all Richmond residents use. Older systems can be especially difficult to maintain, and often a leachfieldl might be located dangerously close to a neighbor's well-head. System failure might be noticeable by lush growth of grass, squishy patches above the leachfield and odor. For more information on ISDS, click here.

CERCLIS - Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System Hazardous Waste Sites. This is a site that has been identified as a hazardous waste or Superfund site. For EPA information about CERCLIS, click here.

LUSTs - Leaking Underground Storage Tanks. For EPA information about underground storage tanks and their removal, click here.

RIPDES - These are sources of Individual Point Source Discharges, including of storm runoff and from storm drains.