The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division announces that March 5-11, 2023 has been designated National Groundwater Awareness Week. This annual observance has been established to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. Life, as we know it, would be impossible without groundwater. It is the world’s most extracted natural resource. Don’t take groundwater for granted. Therefore, this week is also a platform to encourage yearly water well testing and well maintenance.
National Groundwater Awareness Week was designed to urge each of us to consider various ways to protect our most valuable natural resource. So remember things like not running water while you brush your teeth; getting that leaking faucet fixed; and the farmers that rely on groundwater to grow the food we eat. And remember to have your well inspected to protect your drinking water system.
The Health Department Environmental Health Services staff states, "Through National Groundwater Awareness Week, we would like to recommend to area residents that maybe it's time for your annual water well checkup!"
Just as you check your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally, spring is a good season to have an annual water well checkup before the peak water use season begins, according to the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).
Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually? "The truth is an annual checkup is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water," say Department officials. "Also, preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance, like good car maintenance, can prolong the life of your well and related equipment. NGWA further recommends you test your water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced."
Schedule your annual water well checkup. Wells can provide high-quality drinking water, and about half the U.S. population receives its drinking water from wells. But with well ownership comes the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order.
The Health Department also recommends that well owners:
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels and livestock operations.
Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, and chemical storage areas.
Maintain your waste water systems.
Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached. Its seal should keep out insects and rodents.
Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
Make sure abandoned well are sealed properly within 30 days of abandonment.
For more information on the Health Departments' Water Program, water testing and sealing abandoned wells, contact the Environmental Health Division at eh@henrystarkhealth.org or call (309) 852-0197 Extension 270. You can also visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter and Instagram.
