March 8 through 14, 2026, marks National Groundwater Awareness Week, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are urging residents to schedule their annual water well checkup. Department officials remind the public that regular maintenance keeps drinking water safe, prevents costly repairs, and prolongs the lifespan of wells and equipment. Owners are encouraged to keep hazardous chemicals well away from wells, maintain proper separation from buildings and waste systems, and routinely inspect well caps for damage. If water tastes, smells, or looks different, testing is recommended.
Annual water well inspections are essential for homeowners relying on private wells. According to Department officials, routine checkups help guarantee a safe and steady water supply by identifying potential problems early. Preventative maintenance can save money compared to costly emergency repairs, and regular monitoring may extend the lifespan of both the well and its equipment. Experts also advise testing your water for changes in taste, smell, or color, or whenever the system is serviced. The Health Department offers inspections and support.
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!”
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 wells are sealed properly within 30 days of abandonment.
- Need a permit to seal your well.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents about essential water safety services available through the Environmental Health Division. These services include water quality testing and the proper sealing of abandoned wells, both vital for maintaining safe drinking water and protecting the environment. Residents seeking more details or needing assistance can reach the division by email at [email protected] or call 309-852-0197, extension 270. Additional resources and health updates can be accessed online at www.henrystarkhealth.com, as well as through the departments’ official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Stay informed to keep your water safe.