Rain and snowmelt are swelling the rivers and reservoirs that many Vermonters depend on for water. But about 30 percent of the state’s residents use private wells. Whether the old-fashioned shallow dug well or converted spring, or the modern deep drilled well, such facilities can provide safe drinking water, if properly designed and maintained.  If not taken care of, however, they can lead to groundwater contaminated with bacteria or chemicals, and these contaminants can cause a variety of health problems.  As we humans are about 70% water, it’s important to have a constant supply of safe water to drink. 

When you’re a farmer, and your personal and professional life depends on your land, you try your best to do the right thing. If you don’t, you may not be farming long. The neat twist is that, when you protect your land, you end up caring for natural resources we all share, including the water we drink. Here are a few conservation practices from your local farmland stewards that can help you protect your land, your neighborhood and the water on which we all depend.

Windham County Conservation District and Vermont Association of Conservation Districts bring you a hands-on instructional video about ... all » animal mortality composting. Animal mortality composting is a safe, simple and effective way to deal with downed animals no matter when or where they occur. This technique is adaptable to many different farm animal operations. Includes a step by step of the composing process.