The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' Environmental Health Division notes that August 20-24, 2023 is designated World Water Week. World Water Week 2023 is focused on innovation at a time of unprecedented challenges. The 2023 theme “Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World” invites us to rethink how we manage water.
Henry and Stark County Health Department officials note that World Water Week helps us view water in new and fascinating ways. We focus on the value of water, from many different perspectives. Life, as we know it, would be impossible without water. And, for our area residents - more specifically - ground water. It is the world’s most extracted natural resource. Don’t take groundwater for granted. Therefore, this designation is also a platform to encourage yearly water well testing and well maintenance.
World Water Week was designed to urge each of us to consider various ways to protect our most valuable natural resource. So remember about not running water while you brush your teeth. Or about getting that leaking faucet fixed. Or about 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.
Henry & Stark County Health Department Environmental Health staff state, "Through World Water Week, we would like to recommend to area residents that maybe it's time for your annual water well checkup!"
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. 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. We further recommend 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 Environmental Health staff recommend 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 Health Department at (309) 852-0197 Main Office. 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.