NASHVILLE (AP) — The Health Department and the Department of Environment and Conservation are encouraging Tennesseans to observe Protect Your Groundwater Day on Tuesday.

The day highlights the importance of the state's underground water resources, which supply much of the state's drinking water.

Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said there are a number of steps Tennesseans can take to protect the state's groundwater.

Those include properly maintaining home septic systems and abandoned wells through proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and hazardous household waste.

For private well owners, Protect Your Groundwater Day highlights the importance of yearly testing and proper well maintenance to prevent illness.

More information can be found on the National Ground Water Association's website at http://www.ngwa.org.