National Groundwater Awareness Week runs from March 9th to 15th, 2025, spotlighting the vital role of groundwater and the necessity for vigilant water well maintenance. The Environmental Health Division of Henry and Stark County emphasizes the importance of annual water well checkups. During March, their Microbiology Water Testing Kits, priced at $25, are available at the Kewanee Office. These kits detect E. Coli and Coliform bacteria, with additional testing for lead, nitrates, and arsenic at extra costs. Given the high arsenic levels in some areas, residents are encouraged to test regularly for quality assurance. For queries, contact [email protected] or call 309-852-0197, Ext 270.
The Environmental Health Services staff said, “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).”
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.
- Remember, inadequately maintained wells can become a direct pathway for contamination to enter the water supply for you and your surrounding neighbors/communities.
- Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems, and chemical storage areas.
- Maintain your wastewater 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, 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 Department’s Water Program, water testing, and sealing abandoned wells, contact the Environmental Health Division at [email protected] or call (309) 852-0197 Extension 270. You can also visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com. Find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow them On Twitter and Instagram.