Health Department observes National Groundwater Awareness Week

March 9-15 has been designated National Groundwater Awareness Week. Groundwater is an important part of our daily life and it is the world’s most extracted resource.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Environmental Health Division reminds area residents this is also a great time to encourage people to perform yearly water well testing and well maintenance.

To assist in the testing, during the month of March, the Health Department will offer a Microbiology Water Testing Kit at a special price of $25. These kits test for E. Coli and coliform bacteria. The Microbiology Water Testing Kits are available at their Kewanee Office, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Many areas of Henry County are high in arsenic and so they also offer testing for lead, nitrates and arsenic at additional charges.

The Environmental Health Services staff recommends that National Groundwater Awareness Week, may be time for their 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).

Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually?

“The truth is an annual checkup is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water,” say Department officials. “Also, preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance, and good well maintenance, like good car maintenance, can prolong the life of your well and related equipment.”

They recommend you test your water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced. Health Department staff are always available for inspections if homeowners feel there may be an issue with their water

Schedule a water well checkup. Wells can provide high-quality drinking water, and about half the U.S. population receives its drinking water from wells. But with well ownership comes the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order.

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, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
● Make sure abandoned wells are sealed properly within 30 days of abandonment.

For more information on the Health Departments’ water program, water testing and sealing abandoned wells, contact the Environmental Health Division at eh@henrystarkhealth.org or call (309) 852-0197 ext. 270. You can also visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.

Health Department offers guidance for temporary food service event vendors and coordinators

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Environmental Health Division is reminding residents that most local community calendars feature a wide variety of local events and other food service opportunities. The season is approaching for community activities, fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and other public food-service events; and some of the regulations for these events may have been recently updated.

Therefore, the Health Department would like to remind area residents that if you are preparing to serve food to the public through any event, whether a fee is charged or not, you are required to apply with the Health Department so that we can better assist you in the sanitation standards of food preparation.

These forms must be filled out in their entirety and submitted no later than five business days with the proper fee included before the event, or there is a late fee assessed. Don’t forget it is not permitted to prepare food out of a home, or other unlicensed kitchen, without a permit. Consumers must be vigilant and ensure the people you purchase food from are following the required food safety practices and hold the proper license.

If you are an event coordinator, please make sure you have completed their event coordinator application and submit it to their office 10 business days prior to the scheduled event. Cottage food operators must complete the correct forms and apply for registration along with submission of a water sample. Even at Farmers Markets, if you are providing samples, or if the product is chopped, sliced, bottled, jammed, jellied or pickled, chances are there are rules about how these foods must be handled. If unsure, please contact them to inquire.

“The aim of this process is not to dictate rules but to educate our community on best practices,” said Megan Washburn, environmental health practitioner with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments. “We have seen a lot of rogue food service operations lately, and we really want local food handlers to have the latest and most up-to-date information on food safety so residents can be confident in the safety of these non-traditional venues.”

By applying with the local Health Department, food vendors can have their staff’s expertise and guidance at their disposal.

“Offering this education to local event food vendors really is a win-win for everyone.” said Washburn. “Event Coordinators can ensure they are organizing a safe and approved event; food vendors can be confident in the food they prepare and serve, and local residents can rest assured that food purchased at local events is safe.”

Help make our communities’ summertime fun, delicious, and safe. For more information on the Health Department’s Food Program, check out their newly updated website with resources and where all forms can be found at: www.henrystarkhealth.com.