World Water Week is set for August 24 to 28, 2025, focusing globally on water cooperation for peace and security. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Environmental Health Division is urging local residents to reflect on this year’s theme: “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future.” The theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities and nations when it comes to water. Officials recommend an annual water well checkup to ensure safe, high-quality drinking water and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Residents are also reminded to keep hazardous chemicals away from wells, maintain waste systems, and seal abandoned wells properly. Those who need assistance or more details about the Water Program, including the safe sealing process, are encouraged to reach out to the Health Department at (309) 852-0197. Additional resources and updates are also available at www.henrystarkhealth.com, as well as on the Health Department’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram platforms.
The Environmental Health staff 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 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 and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
- Make sure abandoned wells are sealed properly within 30 days of abandonment. Please note, you will need a permit from the Health Department before sealing a well can begin.
