Free well water screening in Kent, Ottawa Counties

KENT/OTTAWA COUNTIES, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is offering free well water screenings. Follow the directions in the news release below to get your test:

KENT & OTTAWA COUNTIES - In cooperation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University, the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program will be sponsoring free drinking water well screenings for nitrates and the pesticide atrazine. For residents interested in having their private well water screened for free, there will two drop-off sites in the Kent and Ottawa Counties: The Ottawa County Conservation District at 16731 Ferris St, Grand Haven, on Monday, July 14, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) at 1007 Lake Dr SE in Grand Rapids on Monday, July 14, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note the times. These samples will be taken to Lansing to the Agricultural Expo to be tested. For drop off times and locations in other counties contact your county conservation district or MSU Extension.
 
You may pick up sample bottles at the WMEAC location or use your own clean and thoroughly labeled jar or bottle. A sample information sheet MUST be filled out and submitted with each sample. Sample information sheets are available at WMEAC or online by searching "sample information sheet" at www.michigan.gov/mda.
 
To safely take a drinking water sample from a private well, residents must follow all these guidelines:

Pick up a sample  bottle or clean a clear jar of your own that holds at least 16 oz of water.  
Fill out the water  "sample information sheet" available at the WMEAC drop off point or online at  www.michigan.gov/mda.  
Preferably, choose a tap that is not connected to any water treatment (heater, softener, etc.)  device. Outside taps often work well. 
Run the water cold  for 20-30 minutes. Be careful not to touch the inside of the sampling cap or  the bottle. 
Rinse bottle with  water then fill the bottle completely and cap  securely. 
Using a waterproof  pen, label bottle clearly with your name, date, well name (cottage well, Mom's  well, etc.). 
Fold and wrap the  sample information sheet around the bottle.  Place both in a water proof  plastic bag. 
Keep the sample  dark and cold (on ice) until delivered to the drop off site.  
Note:  It is suggested that samples be taken within a few hours prior to drop off for testing accuracy.
 
The results from each water sample will be strictly confidential.  Residents will be mailed a copy of their results and information about what to do if the concentration of nitrate is too high or if atrazine is detected.  Free drinking water well sampling may also be limited to the first 1800 samples taken.
 
Through this service, drinking water samples will be tested for nitrates and the pesticide atrazine.  Nitrates are an oxygenated form of nitrogen most commonly found in fertilizers used on farms and lawns. Other sources of nitrate contamination are septic systems, animal waste, and any excessive decomposition, like too many leaves and plant matter in a lake. Nitrates pose a high risk to groundwater and drinking water contamination. Nitrate contamination has also been shown to cause Methemoglobinemia or Blue Baby Syndrome, which can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of fetus and infant's blood leading to suffocation. Long-term water contamination has been linked to diuresis and hemorrhaging of the spleen.
 
The pesticide atrazine is an herbicide used to kill broadleaf and grassy weeds that was greatly restricted since 1993 because of health risks. In the short-term, atrazine can cause heart, lung and kidney congestion, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, weight loss, and adrenal gland damage. In the long term, atazine can cause weight loss, cardiovascular damage, retinal and muscle degeneration and cancer.
 
For more information, contact Rachel Hackett, AmeriCorps Environmental Educator, at the WMEAC offices: 616.451.3051 or groundwater@wmeac.org.