What is one method to protect wells from surface runoff contamination?

Proper grading and protective covers are essential methods to safeguard wells from contamination due to surface runoff. Grading involves shaping the land around the well to direct water flow away from it. This helps prevent surface water, which may carry contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, or pathogens, from reaching the well's entrance.

Additionally, using protective covers provides a physical barrier that can further prevent debris and contaminants from directly entering the well. These covers can shield the well from rain, animal waste, and other potential pollutants that could compromise the water quality.

While building a fence might offer some protection by limiting access to the area around the well, it does not address the risk of surface runoff and is therefore less effective in preventing contamination. Chemical barriers can also be used, but they typically focus on specific contaminants rather than addressing the broader challenge presented by surface runoff. Drilling deeper wells may decrease the likelihood of some surface contaminants reaching the source of the water, but it does not directly address runoff or provide a protective measure for the immediate area around the well.