WELL WATER SCREENING CLINIC ON TAP IN JACKSON

JACKSON -- Testing local well water samples for contaminates will be the purpose of a screening clinic on tap May 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Missouri Extension Center, 815 Hwy 25 South in Jackson. This screening clinic is being held in conjunction with the national video teleconference sponsored by the League of Women Voters to be held during the afternoon.

May 1-7 is National Drinking Water Week.

The clinic is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau County University of Missouri Extension Council in response to a growing number of local inquires from well owners concerned about the safety of their water system.

According to local University of Missouri Extension Agricultural Engineer, Frank Wideman, "At the screening clinic you can have the following simple tests done on your water: Nitrates, pH, Iron, Hardness and Chlorine. The test requires only 15 minutes to complete."

Nitrate levels in water can be a serious health threat, causing blue baby syndrome in humans," Wideman said. "Most often high nitrate levels in a home water system are caused by nitrates leaching from a septic system or an area of heavily concentrated animal waste near the well site."

In addition to the screening tests done on site, the Cape Girardeau County Health Department will have bacteria test sample kits available for people to take home in order to submit samples to the state lab through the mail. Bacteria tests require more extensive lab procedures and so cannot be performed at a screening clinic.

University Extension staff will be available at the screening clinic to answer any questions people may have about the water tests or their home water system. The cost of the test will be $5.

Persons wanting their drinking water tested should draw a quart sample of water from their cold water faucet after letting it run for 2 or 3 minutes. Use a clean and rinsed glass or food grade plastic container with a lid. Do not let the sample set in a hot car or even at room temperature for any length of time.

Anyone with questions about the water testing clinic may call the Cape County University Extension Center at 243-3581.