CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Cibola County residents who rely on private wells for drinking water can receive free water testing Saturday, Oct. 3, during a one-day event in Grants. The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health will conduct testing from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Grants Farmers Market, 700 W. Santa Fe Ave. Testing is limited to the first 100 participants and is available only for water from homes that use private wells for drinking water.
The screening will test for nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, iron, sulfate, pH and specific conductance. High nitrate levels can pose serious health risks, particularly to pregnant women and infants.
Participants must bring at least one quart of well water in a clean, odor-free glass or plastic container. Before collecting the sample, allow the water to run for two to three minutes and fill the container as close to the event time as possible.
Homes with wholehouse filtration or watersoftening systems should collect the sample from the wellhead before the water enters those systems, if possible.
Well owners should also bring available information about their well, including its depth, depth to water, latitude and longitude, and distance from the nearest septic tank or leach field.
Those unable to attend may send a properly labeled sample with a family member or neighbor. The container should include the well owner’s name, telephone number, address and well information.
Results will be mailed to participating households within approximately two to three weeks.
For more information, call NMED at 505-8272900.