Aug. 23-27 is designated World Water Week. World Water Week 2026 is centered on water cooperation, for peace and security in its broadest sense. The theme, “Water for People & Progress,” focuses on marginalized and vulnerable groups who lack safely managed sanitation and drinking water; and addresses the growing gap between freshwater demand and supply under rapid climate shifts.
According to the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, World Water Week helps us view water in new and fascinating ways. We focus on the value of water, from many different perspectives. Life, as we know it, would be impossible without water. And, for our area residents – more specifically – ground water. It is the world’s most extracted natural resource. Don’t take groundwater for granted. Therefore, this designation is also a platform to encourage water well maintenance.
World Water Week was designed to urge each of us to consider various ways to protect our most valuable natural resource. For instance not running water while you brush your teeth and getting that leaking faucet fixed. It’s also important to remember the farmers that rely on groundwater to grow the food we eat.
According to the health department’s Environmental Health staff, “Through World Water Week, we would like to recommend to area residents that maybe it’s time for your annual water well checkup.”
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. 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 further recommend you test your water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or when the system is serviced.
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 Environmental Health staff recommend that well owners:
For more information on the health departments’ water program and sealing abandoned wells, contact the health department at 309-852-0197 main office. You can also visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
A special open house, hosted by the Henry and Stark Health Departments, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27 in honor of August-Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The open house will take place from 2-4 p.m. at the WIC office, 109 S. Burr Blvd., Kewanee.
Heather Aldred, RN Maternal & Child Services supervisor said, “We cordially invite new and expectant mothers, their families and the public to come meet our staff, check out our new office, have a snack and leave with some giveaways and a chance at door prizes.”
In addition, the open house will also give health department staff a chance to show off their new lactation room. The room, made especially for our breastfeeding mothers, has been made available through the generosity of the Central Illinois Breastfeeding Task Force. Henry and Stark County Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Tironica Watts will be on hand to answer questions and offer support and knowledge to those currently and/or considering breastfeeding.
For more information on the Aug. 27 Breastfeeding Awareness Month open house or the WIC program and services available through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare call 309- 852-0197 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
