Michigan recognizes National Drinking Water Week in May 1-7, 2018. Drink Water WeekThe American Water Works Association (AWWA), along with its partners, created this week to highlight the importance of water in our daily lives. The Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate works in collaboration with other state divisions or agencies to use this week for education to the public about where their drinking waters come from, how to check their water quality, what to do to keep their drinking water clean, and who they can contact with any concerns.
“There are actions all of us can take to support healthy drinking water from protecting the source to getting the water moving in our home plumbing,” said Kris Donaldson, EGLE’s Clean Water Public Advocate. Learn about actions you can take at Michigan.gov/DrinkingWaterWeek.
Michigan also declares Tuesday, February 5, Private Residential Well Awareness Day. This is to draw attention to the 2.6 Million Michiganders who rely on private wells to provide their drinking water. Michigan has more than one million private residential wells.
Water is either supplied from a public or private water supply to your home. Private well. It’s important to determine how your water is supplied to understand how your water quality is monitored and who to contact if you have water quality issues. The general rule is that if you receive a water bill for your water you are on a Community water supplyThis is a type public supply.
If you have a personal wellYour responsibility for your well and its water is ultimately yours. There are things that you should do to monitor your well system and your drinking water to help protect your family’s health and ensure quality tap water. Reach out to your local hospital if you have any questions. Drinking Water Week highlights important resources regarding well maintenance and testing that can be found on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Care for MiWell website.
If you are connected to a community water supply, the best way to learn about your local water quality is by reading your water supplier’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an Annual Water Quality Report. Every community water supplier must send a CCR every year by July 1. CCRs can be sent in a number of ways. They may be available as a paper copy, or as a link in your bill. If you’re not sure where to access yours, contact your local water supplier. You should also contact your local water supplier to address any questions or concerns.
If you are still concerned about the water quality Visit the Drinking Water Concern System page. You will find answers to frequently asked questions about drinking water quality, information on how you can get your water tested and steps to submit concerns. All concerns submitted are reviewed by the appropriate staff member, who will follow-up with you. Depending on your water supply, you may need to contact your local water supplier or health department for answers.
For more information about Drinking Water Week and additional resources, visit Michigan.gov/DrinkingWaterWeek.
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