What are Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas?
An aquifer is a permeable subsurface soil or rock layer that is capable of storing, transmitting and supplying a significant amount of ground water to wells or springs. Critical aquifer recharge areas are areas that have been identified as having a critical effect on aquifers used for potable water and as being highly susceptible to groundwater contamination. A goal of the CAO is to preserve, protect, and conserve Whatcom County’s groundwater resources for current and future generations by protecting these areas from contamination.
