Pam Dudding Contributing writer
Water is an essential need for one to survive. Good drinking water is a must in one’s home.
That is the reason the Craig County Cooperative Extension is hosting another Virginia Household Water Quality Program for residents of Craig County.
The goal of the program is to improve the water quality and health of Virginians with private water supplies, such as wells and springs.
Explained Sally Farrell of the Craig County Extension, “The water sampling program is affordable and confidential. The water sample will be tested for iron, manganese, sulfate, hardness, sodium, copper, nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, pH, total dissolved solids, coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria, and lead.”
The total cost for the test is $60, but payment assistance is available for low-income residents through a grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s Community Conservation Program.
After the tests are turned in, people will receive their confidential results, an explanation of what they mean, and information about addressing any problems via mail or email. A recorded video presentation will also be available to help people understand their results.
“The program was conducted last fall in Craig County with 19 samples submitted,” Farrell said before adding, “Of those samples, eight showed the presence of coliform bacteria, two showed the presence of E. coli, and two exceeded the state standard for lead.”
She noted that the presence of coliform in drinking water is an indicator of ground surface water contamination in one’s water supply, and the presence of E. coli indicates fecal contamination from humans or animals in their water supply.
“This can be a source of disease for residents, especially the young, elderly, or persons with compromised immune systems,” she added.
The sample kits will be distributed at the Craig County Extension Office on April 26 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and sample drop off on April 28 during the same hours.
The County Extension office is located at 24838 Craig Creek Road in New Castle.
If you would like to participate in the program or need more information, contact Sally Farrell, Craig County Extension Agent, at 540-864-5812 or email: [email protected]. Preregistration is required.
Please note, if you are a person with a disability and desire assistance of accommodations, make sure to notify Farrell during the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
