WINTERSVILLE, Ohio — What’s in your water? Over 15 million U.S. households obtain their drinking water from private wells, which are not covered by US EPA regulations that protect public drinking water systems. So who is responsible for ensuring that private well water is safe from contaminants? The water well owner.
Test your water
Learn how to test your drinking water at a workshop entitled, “Shale Gas and Your Drinking Water Supply,” starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Jefferson County OSU Extension office. Workshop participants will also learn the basic processes of local oil and gas development.
The US EPA recommends that private water wells be checked every year for the presence of coliform bacteria, nitrates, and any other contaminants of local concern.
Contamination
Many people do not realize water wells can become contaminated through naturally occurring processes. In addition, gas well drilling can occasionally impact groundwater sources, including private wells and springs.
This free event, co-sponsored by the Ohio Farm Bureaus of Jefferson and Harrison Counties, is open to the public. All program participants will receive a free drinking water sample kit.
The workshop will be held at the Jefferson County Extension office (587 Bantam Ridge Rd, Wintersville) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details
Attendees are asked to reserve a spot by calling the Extension office at 740-264-2212 or email cross.421@osu.edu.
