Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Water is the main source of survival and is necessary for life as we know it. Many countries have very little access to good water sources, America not only has water wells and creeks and rivers, but “town” water that brings it right into homes.
The Craig County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension again offering affordable water testing and education to help residents in Craig County to assess the condition of their water in their homes.
“What’s in YOUR water? Did you know that private water supplies like wells and springs are unregulated?” asked Sally Farrell of Virginia Tech Extension. “It is the responsibility of the homeowner to regularly test water quality, maintain the water system, and address any problems.”
Kits will be available for pick up on May 1 between 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Craig County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension at 24838 Craigs Creek Road in New Castle.
The drop off time of the samples will be two days later on May 3 by 9 a.m., also at the Craig County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Participation is voluntary.
Water samples collected by participating homeowners will be analyzed for 14 parameters, including bacteria, metals, nitrate and hardness. The cost will be $65.
“Need-based subsidies for $10 test kits are available for Craig County residents through funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s Conservation Program,” Farrell added. “Results and water system care and maintenance information will be sent to each participant either by email or mail, and a pre-recorded video will be made available to help explain the summary results and recommendations to address problems.”
Results and interpretation information will be ready in approximately six weeks.
Please note that all information is kept strictly confidential.
Those with questions or those who are interested in registering may contact Sally Farrell at (540)864-5812 or sfarrell@vt.edu.
For more information about the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, as well as many resources relevant to private water systems, please visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu.
