Learn more about your water during Drinking Water Week

Information and resources at Michigan.gov/DrinkingWaterWeek can help people learn where their drinking water comes from, how to learn about their water quality, who to contact with questions and concerns, and actions they can take to support healthy drinking water in their homes. Knowing your water supply (view supply types) is key to learning about your water quality and determining who to contact with questions. Depending on your water supply, your local health department or water supplier is likely your best resource for answering questions about your water.

How your water is supplied also determines how your water is regulated – when your water is tested and for which contaminants.

• If you get a bill for your water, it is likely that you are receiving water from a community public water supply. Community water supplies are required to routinely test the water for certain contaminants. Test results for detected contaminants and other information about local water quality can be found in your water supplier’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an Annual Water Quality Report. CCRs may be delivered in different ways, such as a paper copy or via a link within your bill. If you’re not sure where to access yours, contact your local water supplier. Your local water supplier should also be your first call to answer questions or address concerns. If you are on another type of public water supply, testing requirements can vary. Your landlord, community association, water supplier, or local health department can help you find information.
• If you have a private residential well, your well and its water are ultimately your responsibility. During Drinking Water Week, Michigan also proclaims Thursday, May 8, as Private Residential Well Awareness Day to bring attention to the 2.6 million Michiganders who depend on private wells for their drinking water and the responsibilities of well owners to properly maintain and test their wells. These wells are only required to be tested and inspected when installed, but routine maintenance, inspections, and testing is important for protecting your drinking water and your health. Most contaminants in water have no taste, color, or smell. The only way you might know if you have a problem is to test your drinking water using a certified laboratory. Check with your local health department to learn if there are any drinking water concerns in your area and what testing is recommended. Checking your wellhead and surrounding area is quick and easy.

Resources and activities for children and educators are also available, including information on EGLE’s Lending Station, where models and other hands-on demonstration resources can be borrowed.

For more information about Drinking Water Week and additional resources, visit Michigan.gov/DrinkingWaterWeek.