Does Your Well Need a Checkup?

Drinking water...turn on a faucet and it appears.  We drink, cook and clean with it.  Most of us don’t even think about whether it’s safe.  However, having access to clean, potable drinking water is one of the most important contributions to our community’s overall health.  

More than 1 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water.  The US is fortunate to have some of the safest public drinking water supplies in the world. 

The water we use daily can come to us in two very different ways: 

1.      Community (public) water system or

2.      Private water source, such as a well. 

Public water systems are regulated and must adhere to strict standards.  Private water sources, such as wells, are not regulated; individual homeowners are responsible for keeping their water safe. Approximately 28% of Clinton County residents have a private water source. If you are part of that 28%, here is how you can make sure your water is safe:

• Test your water source for coliform bacteria at least once a year using a NYS Certified Lab. If you have a newborn in your home, collection of a nitrate sample is also recommended.

• Check to see that your well has a tight fitting sanitary (waterproof) cap.

• Ensure your well casing extends above ground level to prevent flooding of the well head.

• Maximize the distance between your well and sources of contamination, such as septic systems, manure storage piles and fuel oil tanks, if possible.

Testing your water is key to knowing if your water is safe to drink.  Total coliform bacteria is naturally present in the environment and is used to determine the sanitary condition of a well.  Although total coliform bacteria by itself doesn’t usually make you sick, its presence tells you that other harmful bacteria, such as E.Coli, might be able to get into your well water too.  If results are positive for coliform bacteria, the well should be properly disinfected and retested.  

During spring certain weather conditions – such as melting snow, heavy rains and flooding – increase the chances of contaminates getting in your private well, making Spring the perfect time to do a well water ‘checkup’. 

Just like maintenance on your car or your home’s roof, you should always ensure your water source is being properly maintained.  For more information visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/wells. For concerns or questions about your water quality, contact the CCHD’s Environmental Health & Safety Division at 518-565-4870. 

Tim Simonette

Senior Public Health Sanitarian

National Infant Immunization Week

During National Infant Immunization Week the United States can be proud of a very successful infant vaccination protection rate.  “The National Immunization Survey has consistently shown that childhood immunization rates for vaccines routinely recommended for children remain at or near record levels.” Unfortunately, this vaccination victory weakens with age. As adults, we have the lowest vaccination rates. So how can we protect our children and ourselves? 

 Talk with your healthcare provider. After receiving a vaccination, many factors can change the actual protection a person ends up with. This is why we need to vaccinate more people to reduce the rate of illness.  Vaccination at every age is a simple and smart way to reduce contact with vaccine preventable illnesses.

 

 Follow the recommended vaccine schedule. An infant who receives the recommended vaccines will be protected from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases by age two!  

 
Travel with peace of mind. Did you know that not every country vaccinates for every illness that they could? Click here to see if your family needs extra protection for your next vacation.

 

Be a role model. As adults, it is just as important to make sure our vaccines are up-to-date as it is for our children. The health and well being of future generations depends on us staying healthy and not passing illnesses to children.

 
Protect! Give your infant the highest level of protection by continuing to follow the recommended vaccination schedule.  Encourage family and friends to get their vaccinations too.  Hopefully, we can all appreciate and expand our vaccine protection throughout our lifetime with these proactive steps.  

Good Health! Vaccinate!

Karen Plotas-McGrath, RN, BSN

Public Health Nurse