Both the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are reminding Lawrence County and other area private water well owners to properly maintain those wells and test them for potential contamination. Most private wells which are properly constructed and maintained provide safe water for years. However, contamination can occur due to poor maintenence or releases of contaminents into the well’s aquifer. Many contaminants cannot be detected by sight, taste and smell. It is the well owner’s responsibility to properly maintain their well and regularly test it for potential contamination to ensure the safety of the drinking water.