The National Sole Source Aquifer Program

The Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) program is one of EPA’s few formal ground water protection programs.  Authorized by the SDWA in 1974, it is a process for designating specific aquifers and gives EPA authority to review proposed projects in areas over those aquifers, funded with Federal assistance, which might contaminate groundwater.  Aquifers eligible for such designation are those nominated by petition by citizen groups, local government or other organizations, which serve at least 50 % of the drinking water in the petitioned area and for which there is not a reasonably available alternative source in case of contamination.  Upon review of a proposed project, EPA may request modification and in some cases prevent them from proceeding.   There are currently 77 of these SSAs designated throughout the country.  Most were designated in the 1980’s and 1990s.   However, there has been a resurgence of interest in this program and since 2006, new SSA aquifers have been designated in Washington State, New Jersey, New Mexico and Rhode Island.   This paper will present a national picture of SSA program implementation including a discussion of its potential and limitations for protecting critical groundwater resources.