Title: The Identification of Best Management Practices on Preserved Farms for Source Water Protection Areas in Lancaster County: A Pilot Study
Abstract: In an area historically dominated by agriculture, related nutrient issues greatly impact the water quality of Lancaster County watersheds. The negative impacts created on the quality of drinking water has led to the emergence of source water protection planning. Source water protection plans are created to protect and sustain safe drinking water supplies. The purpose of this project will be to better understand and identify nutrient and land use issues affecting the Octorara watershed within two source water protection areas, designated by the Chester Water Authority. Land use activities will be overlaid with source water protection areas to characterize the watershed. Current operations on farms preserved by Lancaster Farmland Trust will be compared to water quality issues to provide further insight on land use activities. An analysis of the source water protection areas to preserved farms will allow for the recommendation of best management practices to improve drinking water quality.
Keywords: Lancaster County, drinking water, Octorara Watershed, water quality, farmland