Free Water Testing for Nitrates and Herbicides at AG EXPO

Kalamazoo, Mich.- Private well owners may have their drinking water tested free of charge during Ag Expo, held at Michigan State University (MSU) July 15th through July 17th. This free test will determine whether drinking water has high levels of nitrates or triazine herbicides. Homeowners may take their water samples to MSU during Ag Expo or dropped off at either the Kalamazoo County Conservation District office or the MSU Extension office in Kalamazoo. Samples will then be delivered to MSU during Ag Expo to be analyzed. Results will be mailed to the homeowner from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

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.). 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. Refrigerate your water sample. Sampling bottles may also be picked up at the Kalamazoo Conservation District or MSU Extension offices.

Samples may be dropped off at the MSU Extension office or Kalamazoo Conservation District office no later than July 14 so they can be taken to MSU on July 15. There will be an information sheet to fill out with your water sample.

To learn more about Ag Expo and this free water testing opportunity, please call Linda Zabik at 327-1258 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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