Van Buren Residents Get Free Well Water Testing This Month

A press release has recently been made which benefits people like me who live in Mattawan on a property that uses well water. I've been meaning to get the water tested since the well is quite old, and now I'll have the ability to do that for free this month. The Van Buren Conservation District will screen drinking water well samples for nitrates from August 12^th on to August 16^th from 8 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m.  There is no cost to participate in this service.

To  collect a sample from your well, follow these directions:

1. Pick a tap or faucet that supplies water that has not run through any treatment devices (water softener, carbon filter, RO system, etc.). An outdoor faucet often works well.
2. Run the water for 20-30 minutes before collecting the sample.  This will give the pump time to flush the water pressure tank and plumbing so you can collect a valid sample.  Disconnect any hoses before collecting the sample; do not sample through a hose.
3. Rinse the sample bottle and lid thoroughly in the water to be sampled; then fill and cap the bottle.
4. Label the bottle clearly with your name, the sample date, and the well name using a waterproof pen. Samples can be taken in any clean container, such as a glass jar, or other capped container.
5. Deliver the sample within 24 hours and keep the sample dark and cold until it is dropped off at 1035 East Michigan Ave. in Paw Paw.

 Anyone with further questions about the testing can contact the Van Buren Conservation District at 269-657-4030 ext5.