Local Zoning and Health Ordinances
Cities and towns can place limits on what kinds of development are acceptable in specific areas of a community through various sorts of local ordinances including zoning and health regulations. For example, local zoning laws usually set up different districts for residential, retail/commercial, and industrial activities to avoid conflict among various land uses. Another regulatory tool for local management of potential threats is a health regulation or health ordinance which relies on the local health officer to enact regulations.
For an overview of municipal authority, see Groundwater Protection: What Can Municipalities Do 
? (From the New Hampshire Municipal Association/Local Government Center, NH Author Cordell Johnston, 2004) The following describes other specific tools that cities and towns can use to protect groundwater and public water supply wells.
Guidance Documents
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NH Department of Environmental Services | 29 Hazen Drive | PO Box 95 | Concord, NH 03302-0095
(603) 271-3503 | TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964 | Hours: M-F, 8am-4pm
