Well Water Screening

Have You Had Your Well Water Screened, Why Not? It’s Free!

We are offering several free opportunities to have you well water screened for nitrate this spring. Did you know that a portion of the Southern Willamette Valley has been designated as a Groundwater Management Area by the Department of Environmental Quality due to elevated nitrate levels in well water? While it is especially important for households with pregnant women or newborns to test for nitrate because of a rare type of blue-baby syndrome, all homes with private wells should be aware of their nitrate level. Knowing what’s in your drinking water is important, and should be shared with your health care professional.

For a free nitrate screening, bring ½ cup of untreated well water in a clean, water-tight container. You may either wait for your results (the test takes 5 to 10 minutes if the well water clinic is not busy), or leave your contact information for the results to be delivered after the clinic date.

Clinics are currently scheduled for:

• December 2nd at the Linn County OSU Extension Service Office, 33630 McFarland Road, Tangent, OR 97389. 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

A water quality educator will be available during clinic times to answer questions about well water and septic tank issues. For additional information on well water and septic systems, free Rural Living Basics classes, and other nitrate screening events visit the Well Water website at http://wellwater.oregonstate.edu or for more information call 541-766-3556.