The Knox County Health Department is inviting residents using well water to register their wells as part of an emergency preparedness outreach program so the county can alert them in the event of a water safety threat. The KCHD also offers maintenance tips for keeping well water safe and reliable.

More in the press release after the jump...

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Knox County Health Department is Collecting Data on Well Water Users

As part of Ground Water Awareness Week, March 7-13, Knox County Health Department (KCHD) invites residents who use a well for their drinking water supply to register their wells with KCHD. This outreach is part of Knox County emergency preparedness. A well location database will allow public health officials to contact affected parties quickly in the event an accident or natural disaster threatens the safety of the well water in a given area. In recent years, Knox County has faced potential or actual well contamination incidents in areas such as Burnett Creek and Tedford Road. Everyone using well water is asked to complete a short online survey at www.knoxcounty.org/health/environmental.php or call 215-5200.

Residents who use wells for drinking water are reminded that regularly scheduled checks and maintenance help ensure problem-free service and quality water. At a minimum, wells should be tested whenever there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or when the system undergoes repairs. Ideally, wells should be tested annually. KCHD can provide inexpensive testing for bacterial contamination, and labs to do chemical testing can be found in the telephone directory or through the company that services your well. KCHD also would like to pass along these tips for 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.

* Maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems and chemical storage areas.

* 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 well records, such as the construction report and any maintenance and water testing results, in a safe place.

* If the air in your home has measured high radon levels, consider having your well water tested for radon. Knox County is a high risk area for radon, a radioactive gas that forms underground.

Knox County Health Department is committed to promoting public health policies and practices to safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. KCHD offers an array of resources, including medical and dental services, family planning, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, smoking cessation, family violence prevention, worksite wellness, nutritional programs and much more. For more information about Knox County Health Department, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.