What does a Protection Area define?

A Protection Area specifically defines a zone that outlines the groundwater capture zone of a wellhead. This is crucial in ensuring that the water supply remains uncontaminated and safe for consumption. The delineation of this area helps in managing land use and activities around the wellhead, reducing the risk of pollutants infiltrating the groundwater that feeds into the well. Identifying and protecting this zone is essential for maintaining the integrity of public drinking water sources, as it highlights regions where protective measures must be enacted to safeguard water quality.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe a Protection Area's purpose. Recreational areas for public water systems focus on different aspects of water management unrelated to pollution prevention. Wastewater treatment regions address effluent management rather than the protection of groundwater sources. Similarly, stormwater runoff management zones primarily deal with surface water management and do not focus specifically on groundwater capture. Each of these areas serves important environmental and public health functions, but they do not encompass the definition of a Protection Area as it relates specifically to wellhead protection.