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Wellhead Protection
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During COVID

D
Katie Breth, MRWA Source Water Protection Specialist

During this time of COVID, the way that business tasks are accomplished looks very different from
even a year ago. Source Water Protection is not exempt from this. As Public Water Supplier you may be
now challenged with implementing a Wellhead Protection Plan that was created during an old norm, or
challenged with creating a new plan or amending an existing plan during a day and age that is VERY
different from what we are used to.

I ask that you not be discouraged by this, but embrace the changes and make them work for or with
you. I am going to share with you a few tips for you to consider putting in your back pocket, which will
hopefully make wellhead protection easier for you.

Tip #1: Embrace Technology
I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I use to stay that I am the poster child for the IT help
desk. However, since I started embracing technology, I’m way happier. Not to say that somedays I just
want to UNPLUG, but technology has made it possible to meet goals identified pre-COVID-19 during
COVID. Virtual meeting platforms especially have been helpful. Whether you use a free platform or have
a paid subscription, virtual meetings can really be a win-win for accomplishing goals (plus depending how
you approach it they also can be very friendly in reducing travel budgets).

Another item I am going to throw into this category is social media. Social Media, such as Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter or even good old fashion websites are a great tool to use during this pandemic. They
have allowed us to create a sense of community support and have given us another way to stay in contact
with residents.

Tip #2: Break Time
This tip is simple and little explanation is needed. Take breaks from work to stretch, exercise, or check
in with your supportive colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends. We have to stay mentally healthy to
be happy and productive. A little can go a long way. This is something to remember at work and home…

Tip #3: Ask for Assistance
COVID-19 has added a lot to our already full
plates. So, sometimes we just need to ask for a
little assistance. I know this is way easier said than
done, but we need to remember that we have
all been in this position a time or two. MRWA is
here to support you with the development and
implementation of your wellhead protection plan.
Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us. I
can sincerely say the Source Water Protection staff
LOVE what we do and there is no better feeling
than assisting a community on accomplishing their
drinking water protection goals.
http://www.mrwa.com/sourcewater.html
I am sure I am not the only one hoping and
praying for our old normal to return, and at this
point I would even settle on a reasonable new
normal. However, in the mean time I hope that
you embrace technology, take break, and ask for
help. MRWA is here for you, COVID or no COVID.

14 MRWA TODAY S WINTER 2021