Dear Editor,March 11-17, 2012 is National Groundwater Awareness Week. Over 90 percent of all public drinking water systems rely on groundwater to supply the population with drinking water. Many residents in the Oakdale area have a private well that supplies their water. Getting an annual water well check up is like checking your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally. It’s a smart thing to do. As a member of the National Ground Water Association, I encourage well owners to get their wells checked during Groundwater Awareness Week.An annual checkup by a certified or licensed water well contractor is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water.The National Ground Water Association offers a free website for consumers (www.wellowner.org) that shows what an annual well check-up should include. Anyone with questions about their well or groundwater can contact Lee & Pierce’s Oakdale office, 848-8270.Sincerely,John P. LaneLee & Pierce, Inc.Member of the National Ground Water Association