Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
What is in your water? Did you know that private water supplies like wells and springs are unregulated? These are questions that the Craig County Virginia Cooperative Extension Office is asking residents and want to assist them in finding out.
“It is the responsibility of the homeowner to regularly test water-quality, maintain the water system and address any problems,” they noted.
Therefore, they have set up an affordable, confidential water testing. Education on the subject will also be offered through Virginia Cooperative Extension Office in Craig County.
The participation in the water testing is voluntary and kept strictly confidential.
Water samples collected by participating homeowners will be analyzed for 14 parameters, including bacteria, metals, nitrate and hardness for a cost of $60. Write checks to VCE – Craig County.
Kits may be picked up on November 2 between 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Craig County Extension Office at 24838 Craigs Creek Road in New Castle.
The drop-off date for samples is November 4 between 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the extension office. They ask that everyone follow physical distancing measures.
The extension office shared that the results and water system care and maintenance information will be sent to each participant either by email or mail, and a pre-recorded or live video presentation will be made available to help explain the summary results and recommendations to address problems. By December 3, everything should be sent out.
For those who do not have an email address, they will mail the results which will be also be available by phone.
Contact Sally Farrell at 540-864-5812 or email: sfarrell@vt.edu to register or inquire about assistance available in paying for the water sample.
For more information about the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, as well as many resources relevant to private water systems, visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu.
