MONROE — Those interested in learning more about drinking water and the quality of their water, 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 May. Individual results will be kept confidential.

This program is possible due to a partnership between the Towns of Cadiz and Jordan, and Extension Green County. 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 Thursday, Feb. 29 by contacting Victoria Solomon, Community Development Educator at the Extension Green County office (608) 328-9440 or via e-mail at Victoria.Solomon@wisc.edu.

Options for Well Testing:

●  Homeowner Package (Includes tests for nitrate, coliform bacteria, pH, alkalinity, and hardness.) Cost is  $66.

●  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.

If choosing all three packages, the cost is reduced to $161 — a discount of $5.

Bottles will be available for pick-up at the following locations and times listed. Bottles must be filled and returned on Monday, March 18, to the site where the bottles were first picked. Tests must be paid for when the bottles are picked up.

Results will be available the evening of May 14 during a free educational seminar. Everyone will have the opportunity to ask questions, and individual results will be kept confidential. Those unable to attend this program will have their complete results mailed to them.