COUNTY RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO HAVE WATER SAMPLED ANNUALLY

NATIONAL GROUND WATER AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 8 – 14, 2010

(Salisbury, MD) – March 8 – 14, 2010 is National Ground Water Awareness Week and Wicomico County environmental health officials are reminding residents of the importance of having their well water sampled annually. “100% of Wicomico County’s drinking water comes from groundwater, so proper maintenance is essential for high-quality drinking water.” said Dennis DiCintio, Environmental Health Director for Wicomico County Health Department. “Just as you check your furnace and smoke detector batteries seasonally, spring is a good time to do a water well checkup just before the peak water use season begins,” said DiCintio. The Health Department also recommends testing water when there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance.

The National Groundwater Association, a non-profit, international groundwater professional organization, suggests an annual checkup by a qualified well inspector as the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water. Preventative maintenance is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance - like good car maintenance - can prolong the life of wells and related equipment.
Health Department officials also recommend the following preventative measures: Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from the well, and maintain a "clean" zone of at least 50 feet between well and any kennels and livestock operations.

Maintain proper separation between well and buildings, waste systems, and chemical storage areas. 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. Be careful never to hit the casing with a lawn mower or vehicle, or strike it with any force. Maintain your septic system. Improperly functioning septic systems are a major cause of well contamination. Find any old wells on your property and have them abandoned and sealed by a licensed well driller.

WELLOWNER.ORG is a resource for well owners, providing information on well maintenance and water quality.

For questions, to schedule a water sample, or inquire about related fees, county residents may call the Wicomico County Health Department Environmental Health Division at (410) 546-4446.