University of Wisconsin - Extension

"Water Works Wonders' is a great slogan for Drinking Water Week because of the many uses we make of water every day," says Christine Mechenich, groundwater educator at the UW-Extension Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center.

"Water is essential to life since people can live only a few days without water," she adds. "But it has so many more useful characteristics... it helps us keep clean, it carries wastes away from our homes, and it's even fun to play in!"

But because it seems plentiful, it's easy to take this precious resource for granted. "Everyone these days seems very aware of the cost of a gallon of gasoline," Mechenich says. "But I wonder how many people are aware of the tremendous bargain they get when they use a gallon of tap water?"

For $1.50- a typical price of a gallon of gasoline, many communities deliver 3,000 gallons of fresh, clean drinking water to homes. In Wisconsin, 70 percent of drinking water comes from groundwater provided by public or private wells. The other 30 percent comes from surface water, such as lakes Michigan, Superior and Winnebago.

"Our drinking water, whether from underground or a lake, is a local resource. Local people are the ones who can choose whether to pollute or protect it," Mechenich says. "We all need to actively participate in protecting our drinking water."

A growing number of Wisconsin experts and citizens are becoming concerned about preserving the quantity of Wisconsin's water, as well as its quality, Mechenich adds.

She gives these suggestions for protecting drinking water and celebrating Drinking Water Week:

If you are served by a public water supplier, check your community's Consumer Confidence Report. These annual reports let you know the results of water tests, and what your community is doing to protect its water supplies. Information about your community's water supply also is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.

If you have your own well, test the water. Although well water should be tested annually, only about 5 percent of private wells are tested each year. Test for coliform bacteria and nitrate. Ask about the need for other tests in your area. For example, some people need to test their water for arsenic, gasoline, or pesticides.

When you do spring cleaning, choose cleaning products that minimize harm to the environment. Publications on safe and natural cleaning products are available through your county Extension office.

Dispose of hazardous materials around your home properly. "That means not down the storm drain at your curb, and in some cases not down your septic system either," Mechenich notes. If you have products that cannot be safely disposed, find out when your community will organize a hazardous waste collection day.

"One of the symbols for Drinking Water Week is a Blue Thumb," Mechenich says. "When you take a hand in making the quality of your drinking water better, then you can say you have a Blue Thumb, too." Mechenich's final suggestion for celebrating Drinking Water Week is to become informed on local groundwater and watershed protection issues. Find out how you can become part of the solution to protecting and improving drinking water quality in Wisconsin.