### Question
How is the term wellhead protection area defined?


### Answer
The term **wellhead protection area** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 300h* as the following:

> the surface and subsurface area surrounding a water well or wellfield, supplying a public water system, through which contaminants are reasonably likely to move toward and reach such water well or wellfield

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 300h*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER XII-SAFETY OF PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS > Part C-Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water**

