“Private water wells should be tested annually,” said John W. Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist, College Station.
Smith said those submitting samples should use only sampling bags and bottles from their respective AgriLife Extension office and closely follow the instructions to ensure accurate results.
A $10 per sample fee will be collected when bags and bottles are picked up by participants. Bottles and bags will be available at least a week before the turn-in dates.
Both screenings will be from 8:30-9:30 a.m. For residents of Blanco County, sample bags and bottles should be turned in at the AgriLife Extension office at 101 E. Cypress, Suite 109, in Johnson City. For residents of Kendall County, sample bags and bottles should be turned in at the AgriLife Extension office at 210 E. San Antonio, Suite 9, in Boerne.
A follow-up meeting to explain screening results from samples dropped off at both AgriLife Extension county offices will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at the Kendalia Community Church, 2610 State Highway 473 in Kendalia.
Smith said the presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates waste from humans or warm-blooded animals may have contaminated the water. Water contaminated with E. coli bacteria is more likely to also have pathogens that can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea or other symptoms.
“Water with nitrate-nitrogen at levels of 10 parts per million is considered unsafe for human consumption,” Smith said. “Nitrate levels above 10 parts per million can disrupt the ability of blood to carry oxygen throughout the body, resulting in a condition called methemoglobinemia, for which infants less than 6 months of age and young livestock are most susceptible.”
Salinity, as measured by total dissolved solids, will also be determined for each sample, Smith said. Water with high levels may leave deposits and have a salty taste, and using water with high levels of saline for irrigation may damage soil or plants.
Smith said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the meeting to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and to improve understanding of private well management.
For more information about the Blanco County screening, call 830-868-7167. For the Kendall County screening, call 830-249-9343.
To learn more about programs offered through the Texas Well Owner Network or to find additional publications and resources, go to http://twon.tamu.edu.
Support for the Texas Well Owner Network program is provided through Clean Water Act nonpoint source funding from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
-30-