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SWAP protection phase

Cache La Poudre River in Colorado rushing through a rock canyon.

Source water protection planning is a voluntary phase of the Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Program. Public water systems are encouraged to review their assessment reports and initiate local protection efforts in partnership with their communities.

The primary goal of protection planning is to minimize potential threats to public drinking water supplies. This is accomplished by identifying and implementing best management practices (BMPs) tailored to your specific source water area.

We offer technical and financial assistance to public water systems and community members interested in developing source water protection plans to support these efforts.

Grants

Grant funding is available for eligible public water systems. Before applying, please review the following resources:

The protection planning process

A successful protection plan typically includes the following key components:

  • Stakeholder involvement.
  • Formation of a steering committee to guide and implement the plan.
  • Inventory of all ground and surface water intakes.
  • Review of state source water assessment reports for known and potential contaminant sources.
  • Inventory of local potential sources of contamination and concerns.
  • Mapping of the source water protection area.
  • Identification of best management practices (BMPs) to address each potential contaminant source.
  • Development of a contingency plan to ensure safe drinking water in the event of an emergency.

Protection planning template

We offer a standardized protection planning template to help steering committees guide their communities through the process. The template was developed through a public process with input from a citizen advisory group and represents the minimum criteria we expect in an accepted plan.

Download the Protection Planning Template 

  • Plans that meet the following elements will be formally acknowledged:
  • A stakeholder group or public participation process is in place.
  • All groundwater and surface water sources are identified.
  • A water demand analysis and contingency plan are included.
  • The protection area is clearly delineated.
  • A verified inventory of contaminant sources is provided.
  • Source water priority strategies and susceptibility analysis are included.
  • Best management practices are clearly outlined.

Get started

To begin your protection planning process or for more information, please visit the Colorado Rural Water Association.