Sonoma County supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved sweeping new limits on well drilling, making the most significant changes to the county's water well ordinance in nearly 40 years.

The revised ordinance establishes well-construction standards to prevent groundwater contamination, incorporates new protective buffer zones along streams and requires new wells be equipped with monitoring devices to measure groundatwater levels in the future.

The rules also prohibit new wells into streams and wetlands and require property owners pay $150 annual fee to test water, ensuring it is safe for drinking.

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