ALPENA — DHD4 and NMPHA emphasize safe drinking water and encourage regular water testing.

District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) and the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance (NMPHA) are joining communities across the nation in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 3-9.

Led by the American Water Works Association, the annual observance highlights the importance of safe, reliable drinking water and recognizes the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing year-round.

“Safe drinking water is something people count on every day, often without a second thought,” said.

Chelsea Engle, BSN-RN, DHD4 Health officer. “Drinking Water Week is an opportunity to recognize the professionals who make that service possible and to reflect on the continued work it takes to maintain and strengthen the systems our communities depend on.”

This week is also a time to bring attention to the 2.6 million Michiganders who depend on private wells for their drinking water, and the responsibilities of well owners to properly maintain and test their wells.

Tips to maintain your well:

• Use the Well Assessed Tool to complete your own well assessment every year,

• Monitor your well’s surroundings: look around your wellhead frequently to see if there are items

or materials nearby that could impact your well,

• Address any concerns you have with your well: contact a professional well driller to evaluate the condition of your well, and

• Keep essential records for your well: Maintain important documents such as your water well

record, which includes key details like location, depth, and construction information.

Tips to Maintain Your Home’s Drinking Water Quality:

• Keep your water moving: water quality problems can happen when water sits in your

home’s plumbing for too long.

• Clean your faucet aerator every six months: These small screens can collect sediment and

particles that may enter your plumbing, including debris that could contain lead, so regular

cleaning helps keep your water flowing properly.

• Check your home plumbing: your own home’s plumbing can be a source of contamination in your drinking water, this checklist helps you to know if you’re at risk,

• Test your water: most contaminants in water have no taste, color, or smell; the only way you might know if you have a problem is to test your drinking water. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control recommends testing well water for coliform bacteria and nitrates annually. Please reach out to the DHD4 Environmental Health Team for information on well water testing.

To learn more about safe drinking water click here to watch a webinar hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) called “Know Your Drinking Water: The Safe Drinking Water Act and You.”