Logan County Department of Public Health
It's National Groundwater Awareness Week

 

[March 11, 2020] 

The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) would like to recognize March 8-14, 2020 as National Groundwater Awareness Week. Whether your water is supplied by your own private well or by a public supply, all the drinking water in Logan County comes from groundwater. The National Groundwater Association (NGWA) has determined that 44 percent of the U.S. population depends on groundwater for its drinking water supply. Groundwater is vital to everyday life and it is important to keep it safe and protected.

Water wells, no matter how constructed or located, are never guaranteed to always provide safe water. Therefore, if you have your own private well, it is suggested to have your water analyzed at least once a year. For only $8.00, you can purchase a test kit at LCDPH (109 3rd Street, Lincoln, IL) to sample your well to help determine if your water is safe to drink. Along with your test kit, you will receive directions on how to sample your well and laboratory shipping instructions. The water tests check specifically for coliform and E. coli bacteria. Upon receipt of the results, LCDPH will interpret the results and provide further instructions in case you need to disinfect your well.

If you have an unused well on your property, eliminate it by having it properly sealed. Abandoned wells can be a direct source of contamination and are required by law to be sealed within 30 days of abandonment.

Water wells must be sealed by private well drillers or, with prior approval from LCDPH, by a well owner. Sealing permit forms are available to the public at LCDPH or on their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG. The method of sealing must be approved by LCDPH before the actual sealing. There is no charge for the sealing permit and inspection.

Much of the northern half of Logan County obtains its drinking water from the Mahomet Aquifer. According to the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), arsenic (As) has been found at levels exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) throughout parts of the aquifer. Arsenic is a contaminant that is a naturally occurring element located in the earth’s crust. Arsenic can be found in deep bedrock and, once it dissolves naturally, it can find its way to groundwater. Arsenic is highly toxic and in drinking water has been linked to various cancers and other ailments.

If the Mahomet Aquifer is your drinking water source, it is recommended to have your well tested for arsenic. A map of the Mahomet Aquifer can be found on the LCDPH website in addition to private laboratories which provide arsenic testing. You can also contact LCDPH at 217-735-2317 for further information.

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]