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Persons using assistive technology might not be able to fully access information in this file. For assistance, please send e-mail to: mmwrq@cdc.gov. Type 508 Accommodation and the title of the report in the subject line of e-mail. Notice to Readers: Ground Water Awareness Week --- March 8--14, 2009An estimated 88 to 100 million persons in the United States are served by community drinking water systems that rely on ground water as their sole or primary source (1,2); approximately 15 million U.S. households have their own private wells (3). Each year, the National Ground Water Association sponsors Ground Water Awareness Week to stress the importance of protecting ground water and to focus attention on annual private well maintenance and water testing (4). This year, Ground Water Awareness Week is March 8--14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations that protect public drinking water systems do not apply to privately owned wells (5). Owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their well water is safe from contaminants of health concern. Possible contaminants include disease-causing microorganisms, natural contaminants, and manufactured pollutants. Twenty waterborne-disease outbreaks associated with drinking water were reported to CDC during 2005--2006, including seven outbreaks caused by bacteria and viruses in ground water sources (6). Private wells should be located away from potential contamination sources such as septic and waste-water systems, animal enclosures, and chemical storage areas (5). Private wells also should be checked every year for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of coliform bacteria and any other contaminants of local concern. A local health department or water well systems professional can help ensure delivery of high-quality water from an existing well or, if needed, help locate and construct a new well in a safer area. Additional information about well maintenance and water testing is available at http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/testing.html. References
All MMWR HTML versions of articles are electronic conversions from typeset documents. This conversion might result in character translation or format errors in the HTML version. Users are referred to the electronic PDF version (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr) and/or the original MMWR paper copy for printable versions of official text, figures, and tables. An original paper copy of this issue can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC 20402-9371; telephone: (202) 512-1800. Contact GPO for current prices. **Questions or messages regarding errors in formatting should be addressed to mmwrq@cdc.gov.Date last reviewed: 3/5/2009 |
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