Are you confident the water in your home is safe?

It’s a valid question for those who tap into wells for their households.

This is Groundwater Awareness Week, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Groundwater is a vital resource in Wisconsin, with approximately 70% of Wisconsinites relying on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, the DNR states in a news release.

Wisconsin’s groundwater also plays a critical role in supporting the state’s agricultural and tourism economy — irrigating crops, watering cattle, processing various foods or flowing into trout streams and spring-fed lakes, the DNR advises.

“For many Wisconsinites, groundwater is crucial for providing safe drinking water, as well as serving agricultural and industrial needs in our state. Increasing awareness of our groundwater will help conserve one of our most valuable resources for current and future generations,” said McCrea Baker, acting Groundwater Section Manager for the DNR’s Drinking Water and Groundwater program.

It is the same in much of the Upper Peninsula.

So it’s worth taking heed of what the Wisconsin DNR recommends to protect and conserve groundwater —

— Annual water well testing and well maintenance: Private well owners should test their well water at least once a year, tend to any maintenance needs and treat their water if necessary.

— Recycle: Properly recycling paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum and other materials can help prevent potential groundwater contamination.

— Plant native plants: When landscaping, prioritize native plants. They look great and don’t need much water or fertilizer. When choosing grass, varieties adapted to the northern climate can reduce the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.

— Use water wisely: Don’t let the water run unnecessarily, fix any leaks, take shorter showers, only run full loads of dishes or clothes, water the lawn and plants during the coolest part of the day and only when they need it, and obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.

The Wisconsin DNR also advises groundwater can be protected by managing hazardous waste and reducing chemical use. Unused hazardous waste — such as pharmaceuticals, pool chemicals and motor oil — are often improperly disposed of, resulting in the contamination of aquifers that provide drinking water.

The Wisconsin DNR recommends replacing products with less-harmful alternatives, only buying what can be used entirely and checking what is already in a landowner’s barn, garage or home. This can help eliminate the chances of groundwater contamination as well, according to the Wisconsin DNR.

The department has resources readily available on the Household Hazardous Waste webpage, including a disposal guide and link to the U.S. EPA Safer Choice list for consumers and businesses.

For more, go to the DNR Groundwater webpage or the Groundwater Coordinating Council’s story map, “Wisconsin’s Buried Treasure is Worth Protecting.”

First established in 1999, Groundwater Awareness Week is an annual observance highlighting the responsible development, management and use of groundwater. It is also a way to promote professional opportunities in the groundwater industry, made up of professionals such as well drillers, pump installers, hydrogeologists, groundwater policy advocates and groundwater technology manufacturers that help provide safe drinking water.

— Iron Mountain Daily News