To the editor:

 In Sullivan County, we take pride in what makes us different: our open land, our farms, our small businesses, and the natural beauty that draws people here. Our identity is rooted in independence and connection to the land. But that same independence comes with a responsibility many of us do not fully see: protecting the water beneath our feet.Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated. That means thousands of households across our county are responsible for testing and maintaining their own drinking water (New York State Department of Health [NYSDOH], 2023). While this independence is part of rural living, it also creates gaps in safety especially for families who may not have the resources, knowledge, or access to test regularly.This isn’t just a household issue; it is an economic and environmental one. Local farms rely on clean water for crops and livestock, and small businesses, especially in food service, hospitality, and wellness depend on safe water every day. When water quality is compromised, it doesn’t just affect individual homes; it impacts livelihoods and the sustainability of our local economy.

At the same time, environmental changes are making this issue more urgent. Increased rainfall, flooding, and aging septic systems all contribute to groundwater contamination (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2024). In rural areas like Sullivan County, where homes are often near streams, runoff zones, and older infrastructure, these risks are not evenly distributed. Through direct conversations with community professionals and residents, one thing is clear: well water safety isn’t just about awareness it’s about access, cost, and trust.

A local environmental health sanitarian shared that many well owners “don’t test their water unless something already seems wrong,” even though contamination is often invisible. Seasonal changes and heavy rainfall increase the risk, especially in areas with older septic systems and poor drainage. At the same time, a community health worker serving local families explained that water concerns often come up indirectly during conversations about food, housing, or financial stress. Many families simply don’t know where to go for help, or they delay testing because of cost and competing priorities.

National data reinforces these local realities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that contaminated well water can lead to gastrointestinal illness and long-term exposure risks, including nitrates and arsenic (CDC, 2024). Similarly, groundwater contamination is influenced by land use, soil conditions, and runoff patterns (U.S. Geological Survey, 2023).

So where do we go from here?

If we truly want to protect Sullivan County’s water and the people who depend on it we need to move from awareness to action:

Expand access to free or low-cost well testing programs, especially in rural and underserved areas

Integrate water education into existing community touchpoints, such as health fairs, food distribution sites, and schools. Strengthen community-based outreach through trusted messengers, including community health workers

Provide clear, simple guidance on when and how to test wells. Stricter policy with unlicensed plumbing, which would improve less patchwork jobs. Explore funding or subsidy programs to help homeowners repair or upgrade failing septic systems.

Other rural communities have successfully implemented seasonal well testing campaigns paired with community outreach events meeting residents where they are, rather than expecting them to navigate systems on their own. Sullivan County has the opportunity to do the same by building on the partnerships and trust that already exist.

Clean water is not just a personal responsibility it is a shared one.

In a county like ours, protecting it isn’t just about today. It’s about preserving the future of our land, our economy, and the communities we call home.

Ericka Acevedo

Doctoral candidate in Health Science at The University of Indianapolis