Program tests well water for Franklin County homeowners

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Household Water Quality Program are sponsoring a Well Water Testing Clinic for Franklin County residents. If you are a homeowner in Franklin County who gets water from a private well, cistern or spring; if you ever wondered if your private water supply is safe for your family and animals; or if you have ever wondered why your water has a funny smell or color, then you should attend this program.

The clinic, which will give homeowners information on how to improve the water and how to help ensure their family’s health from a detailed water analysis, will be conducted in three parts. Participants will be required to attend all three parts of the program, including a short kickoff meeting, where they will learn how to collect water samples and will receive a sampling kit. It will be held Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Franklin Center in Rocky Mount.

With all the rain this summer in Franklin County, groundwater tables have changed, and there could be more contamination of well water because of high levels of runoff. It is recommended that homeowners with a private water supply have their water tested every several years to help reduce the chance of health problems. Water testing also is beneficial to animals, because an increased presence of some minerals can affect pets and livestock.

The analysis and compilation of test reports takes about four weeks. Once the analysis is complete, an interpretation meeting will be held to distribute the results, which are confidential and will only be returned to individuals listed on paperwork. Results will be explained and information provided about treatment options. Participants will also learn about how a well works and how ground water runoff and ground contamination can reach a water source.

The water test is $49 per sampling kit. The analysis will test for 12 minerals that threaten water quality, as well as coliform and E. coli bacteria.

Registration is required by Sept. 25; participation is limited to 150. Cost is $49 per kit.

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