MONROE — Private well owners that are interested in learning more about drinking water and the quality of their water can soon have it tested. The upcoming drinking water testing program is an opportunity to have well water tested at a reduced cost and learn of the results during an educational program with drinking water experts. Groundwater specialists strongly encourage rural residents to test their water at least once every 15 months.

This program is neither mandatory nor regulatory.  It is completely voluntary.  Those who participate will receive the results of their water tests during an educational program in April. Individual results will be kept confidential.

Options for Well Testing:

●  Homeowner Package — Includes tests for nitrate, coliform bacteria, pH, alkalinity, and hardness. Cost is $68.

●  Metals Package  — Tests for arsenic, lead, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium, and sulfate. Cost is $60.

●  Triazine Screen  — Includes tests for triazine type pesticides like atrazine. Cost is $40.

There is a discount of $7 for those that choose all three packages, which would then cost $161.

Tests must be paid for when the testing bottles are picked up.

Results will be available the evening of April 22 during a free educational seminar at the New Glarus Middle School. Everyone will have the opportunity to ask questions and individual results will be kept confidential. Those unable to attend the program to obtain their results will have them mailed.

This program is possible due to a partnership between the Towns of York, New Glarus, Adams and Green County LWCD. It is open to all private well owners in Green County. In order to participate in this testing program, register by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 by contacting Tonya Gratz with the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department by phone at 608-325-4195 extension 121, or via e-mail at Tonya.Gratz@wi.nacdnet.net.