Test Your Well Water
Nitrates, Arsenic and even bacteria testing are available for free for Butler County Residents
March 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Butler SWCD
Should you attend?
If you say yes to any of the following we hope to see you there:
- Is your well less than 50 ft deep?
- Is your well more than 40 years old?
- Has it been more than a year since it was last tested?
- Does an infant or pregnant women drink the water?
How long does it take?
Nitrates- Your water sample will be tested for nitrates while you wait. It only takes 5-15 minutes for the results.
Arsenic- If you choose, we will process the same water sample that you bring to the event for arsenic. This testing can take several hours and so we will send the results to you.
Bacteria- Due to the risk of contaminating a sample, if you choose to have the well tested for bacteria, you will need to watch a very short video at the event. After you watch the video you will be given a sample bottle. Using this bottle you can then collect a fresh sample on Saturday April 10 and drop off the sample for the Butler County Stream Team to analyze.
While you wait you can visit various booths to learn more about your water. There will be activities for your kids while you wait.
How do I collect a sample for nitrates and arsenic:
- You can use any clean jar with a lid. Make sure not to touch the inside of the jar or lid. If you would prefer, you can pick up a sample bottle from Butler SWCD office.
- Try to take the sample just prior to the event. If you have to take it earlier in the day, refridgerate it, or keep it in a chilled cooler.
- Run your faucet for 5 mins to clean the pipes before collecting the sample.
Students from Edgewood High Schools FFA program will be processing the water samples under the supervision of graduate students from the Insitute of Environmental Science at Miami University.
Miami Conservancy District has provided funding to purchase the testing supplies.
Contact Butler SWCD for more infromation by email or phone at 513-887-3720.