Groundwater is THE source of drinking water for Tamworth residents.
Its quality is vital to public health. The greatest threat to groundwater quality comes from petroleum products and other hazardous liquids - known as "regulated substances." Every citizen has an interest in ensuring that such substances are handled and stored properly.

The NH Legislature and NH Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) have created a law (RSA 485-C) and regulations (Env-Wq 401) that aim to protect groundwater. However, the Legislature has made it clear that the primary responsibility for protecting groundwater lies at the local level, because it is a local resource.

More information on groundwater & drinking water:
U. S. EPA's website here
NH DES's website here.
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Here's what YOU can do:

Minimize use of hazardous chemicals; use less toxic alternatives.
Bring leftover chemicals, oil paints, fuels, etc. to Household Hazardous Waste Day (late July/early August each year).
Transfer fuels and other regulated substances over a drip pan or other impervious surface (there are portable spill containment systems for use when refueling skidders and farm machinery).
Avoid spills. Keep absorbent materials (rags, speedee‐dri, etc.) close by, and promptly clean up any spill that occurs.
Store gas, oil, pesticides, and other regulated substances in labeled, closed, leak‐proof containers on an impervious surface, under cover.
Apply fertilizers at no more than the recommended rate, if at all.
Encourage these Best Management Practices at home and at work.
Take care of your septic system: don’t pour paints, gas, oil, or other chemicals down the drain, and have the septic tank pumped out every 3‐5 years.

At the March 2011 Town voting, the voters of Tamworth considered adopting a Groundwater Protection Ordinance (GPO). This ordinance was created in a joint effort of the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board. It was intended to help reduce the risk of contamination of groundwater. The Ordinance was defeated. However, most of the same best management practices are required by the state - and are just a good idea!

Below, you can download documents related to the development of the Groundwater Protection Ordinance, including:

the FINAL 1/31/11 version of the Ordinance (which has some changes from the original 10/28/10 and 12/15/10 versions - and one small typo change from the 1/12/11 version)
a map showing the groundwater protection district
an annotated version of the 1/31/11 version of the Ordinance, explaining each part and explaining the changes due to public comments since earlier versions
a Frequently Asked Question summary of the Ordinance (updated 12/28/10; still current for the FINAL 1/31/11 version)
a chart showing how and to whom the Ordinance would and would not apply (still current 1/31/11)