Explanation:

Local communities are responsible for protecting their community's drinking water, and as a citizen, you can directly affect the success or failure of your community's drinking water protection efforts. You can take an active role in protecting your community's drinking water sources by understanding where your drinking water comes from and finding out about its quality, by conserving the amount of water that you use, and learning ways to prevent your water supply from becoming contaminated.

The best place to start learning about your drinking water source is through your local community. If you use a private well for your household, then you are responsible for maintaining the integrity of your well. Be sure to check your well seal periodically to be sure it isn't cracked or breaking away from the well casing. The quality of water in your private well depends on your own actions and the actions of your neighbors. The federal government does not regulate private wells, but many states and local communities do. Check with your local town hall to learn whether they have requirements which must be followed for private wells. For example, some local communities require registration and testing of private wells. Some communities also voluntarily carry out periodic testing of private wells. Your local health department is usually a good place to start learning about what is available in your town. More information about maintaining private wells can be found