The Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) encourages owners of private water wells to stop by their booth at the Payette County Fair with a water sample on August 10, 2013 between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM.
Using on-the-spot field tests for nitrates and arsenic, representatives from the IRWA will offer free well water testing and provide information and advice on how local residents can lower contaminants in their drinking water (if present), how to prevent contamination of their water wells, and how to properly maintain their water wells.
How to take a water sample…
In order to get the most accurate water test results we suggest keeping the following tips in mind when collecting your sample:
- Use a container about 16 ounces (1 pint) in size and make certain to wash the container with warm, soapy water first. Thoroughly rinse the container to remove all traces of the soap.
- If you have a water softener or water filter installed, make sure you collect your water sample from a line before it enters the softener or filter. Often times a faucet or spigot on the outside of the house may work well for this purpose since many are not tied into the whole house water filtration systems.
- Allow the water to run for 20 or 30 seconds before collecting your sample.
- Collect your sample as close to the time you intend to leave the house as possible and try not to let the water sit for too long between collection and testing.
Residents of Payette County with questions about the free water testing may contact call Adrianna Hummer at (208) 392-3576.
What if we don’t live in Payette County?
Often times you can check with your local health department to see if they offer free or reduced rate water testing. If that does not work out, our Water Test Kit Store offers simple, at-home drinking water test kits for nitrates and arsenic as well as a number of other potential well water contaminants and critical water quality parameters.