Free Well Water Screening for...
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Free Well Water Screening for Nitrates and Triazine Pesticides will be available throughout the day on July 14. Owners of private drinking water wells may drop off water samples at various West Michigan locations for screening of two common and potentially harmful contaminants. Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) and AmeriCorps volunteers will transport the samples to the Ag Expo held at Michigan State University in East Lansing beginning July 15 to take advantage of the free well water screening available there. Confidential results of the screening will be mailed to the homeowner.
Unlike public water supplies, no regulations govern water quality in private wells. Many contaminants, such as nitrates and some pesticides, cannot be detected by appearance, smell, or taste. The Health Department recommends annual testing of private wells for nitrates and bacteria, as well as other chemicals, if you are concerned that your well may be at risk.
"Groundwater is constantly moving, potentially carrying new contaminants toward your well. Screening is the first step to ensure that your family’s drinking water is safe," says Erin Charles, MGSP AmeriCorps Groundwater Educator
For sampling instructions and drop-off times and locations, contact Erin Charles at the Muskegon Conservation District (for Muskegon and Newaygo County residents) at 231-773-0008, or Rachel Hackett at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (for Kent and Ottawa County Residents) at 616-451-3051 ext. 23. To contact MGSP call 231-773-0008.
