The Benton County Health Department and the Oregon State University Extension Service are partnering to offer domestic well testing at no cost to households in Benton County, officials announced this week.
According to the county, the goal of the partnership is to test up to 200 domestic wells in Benton County by June 30 through a well water safety program.
The program involves an OSU intern collecting samples from the wells of participants and testing for arsenic, coliform bacteria and nitrate, all of which can cause health issues if not properly treated.
After collection, the samples will be analyzed and program participants will be invited to free community educational seminars to learn how to interpret results and what to do if these contaminants are detected in their well water samples.
“It’s important to test your water regularly, since these contaminants have the potential to cause short- and long- term health issues,” Chrissy Lucas, outreach program coordinator for OSU Extension, said through a press release. “You can’t see, smell or taste these in your water, so testing is the only way to know if these contaminants are present.”
OSU Extension is planning to host free community educational seminars in Philomath, Blodgett-Kings Valley, Alsea and Monroe-Alpine — those dates to be determined.
Households in rural communities and those who meet low-income thresholds are a priority for the program and will be given preference based on level of need, the county said.
“Approximately 23% of Oregonians use private wells as their primary source of drinking water,” said Scott Kruger, environmental health manager for Benton County. “We are thrilled to partner with OSU Extension to offer this vital service, especially at no-cost to community members.”
People interested in participating in the program are asked to submit an online interest form.
For questions, contact Chrissy Lucas at Chrissy.lucas@oregonstate.edu or 541-713-5009.