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Groundwater Benefits <br />27 <br />These protection . measures also help to maintain groundwater quantity and quality. By <br />encouraging infiltration, more water soaks into soils where it eventually becomes available for <br />potable use by installing wells. As stated above, when runoff infiltrates into the ground, natural <br />processes help to filter the water so that it is cleaner. During dry periods groundwater provides <br />base flow to streams. Thus, by encouraging more runoff to infiltrate the effects of drought on <br />streams and other surface waters can be reduced. <br />Conclusion <br />Protecting water supply sources within and downstream of Orange County has been a priority of <br />local staff and officials. Since land use does not remain static, periodic review of watershed <br />protection measures are warranted. As potential pollutant sources change, protection measures <br />may need to change. As described above, protection measures must be appropriately applied to <br />both large and small streams and land use draining to them. Without this level of planning, both <br />surface water and ground water quantity and quality cannot be maintained nor improved. <br />References <br />Alexander, et al, 2000. Effect of Stream channel Size on the Delivery of Nitrogen to the Gulf of <br />Mexico. Nature, Volume 43. <br />Alexander, et al., 2007. Role of Headwater Streams in Downstream Water Quality. Journal of <br />the American Water Resources Association. 2007 <br />Dopplet, Bob: et. Al. 1993. Entering the Watershed: A New Approach to Save America's River <br />Ecosystems. Island Press. 462pp. <br />Mayer, et al., 2005. Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover and Nitrogen Removal <br />Effectiveness: A Review of Current Science and Regulations. U.S. EPA, Office or <br />Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory. <br />Page 3 of 3 <br />