How clean is your well water?

WALTERVILLE: The Oregon State University Extension Service will hold a free well water nitrate screening at Herrick Farms this Friday. The testing is related to the wildfires of 2020 and the possibility many domestic wells and septic systems may have been damaged in different ways. Damage to water systems could compromise their ability to work properly in addition to testing for contaminants that may cause harm in the future.

Nitrate in groundwater can cause health issues. It is not naturally occurring so if nitrate appears it is possible that other contaminants have reached the groundwater.

Testing is recommended at least once a year, and regularly in homes with infants, pregnant women, and immune-compromised individuals.

To get a free nitrate test at the screening site, people should bring about 1⁄2 a cup of unfiltered well water in a clean container. The test normally takes about 10 minutes if the clinic isn't busy. Various educational resources will be available related to nitrates, other contaminants, well water, and septic-related topics.

Herrick Farms' address is 88088 Millican Road in Walterville. The screening will be held from 1 to 5:p.m. on Friday, September 9th.

For additional information on well water and septic systems, free Rural Living Basics classes, and other nitrate screening events, visit the OSU Extension Service website wellwater.oregonstate.edu or call 541-713-5009