Free Water Testing For Nitrates And Herbicides During AG EXPO

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Private well owners may have their drinking water tested free of charge during Ag Expo, held at Michigan State University July 18th through July 20th. This free test will determine whether drinking water has high levels of nitrates or triazine herbicides. Samples can be taken by the homeowner using a small, clean jar and delivered to either the MSU Extension office in Kalamazoo, Cass, or St. Joseph counties or the Kalamazoo County Conservation District Office. Each sample will then be delivered to campus during Ag Expo to be analyzed. The confidential results are then mailed directly to the homeowner with information on what was found and at what level.

Sampling your water is simple. In a clean jar, label the outside with your name, sample date, and well name (garden well, house well etc.), with a waterproof pen. For sampling, use a water source that is not connected to any treatment device (water softener or carbon filter). An outside faucet works best. Allow the water to run 10 to 15 minutes to empty the pressure tank so water comes directly from the aquifer to provide more accurate results. Rinse bottle and lid in water, and fill completely, being carefully not to touch the inside of the cap or bottle. Cap tightly, and store in a waterproof bag in your refrigerator until delivery. Sample containers and additional sampling information can be obtained at either the MSU Extension Office or the Kalamazoo Conservation District Office.

Water samples may also be taken by your local groundwater educator by going through the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship’s Home*A*Syst program. This brief thirty minute presentation is free and confidential, and will provide information on groundwater contamination and home risks to the homeowner regarding their property. A booklet and other information resources will be given to each person who completes a home assessment.

Before delivering your sample to your local extension or conservation district office, you must fill out a sample information sheet, which can be obtained by contacting either office. Samples will be accepted on the following days: July 17, 18 and 19 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Samples will be taken to campus on Thursday, July 20th to be analyzed. To learn more about Ag Expo and this free water testing opportunity, please call either Melanie Szewczyk at 383-6429 or email at szewczy5@msu.edu or Linda Zabik at 327-1254 ext. 4 or email at linda.zabik@mi.nacdnet.net.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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