(Ross County Service Center) -- The Ross Soil and Water Conservation District is partnering with the Ohio Department of Agriculture to find volunteers for a free well water testing program.
Each year the Ohio Department of Agriculture Plant Health Division tests several wells in Ohio to make sure that water supplies are free of pesticides. ODA Plant Health is in the process of coordinating their annual well water testing program.
This year ODA Plant Health would like to collect well water samples in Pike, Pickaway, and Ross Counties.
There is no cost for participants and all results are kept confidential. Only the Department of Agriculture and the participant receive copies of the analysis. If by chance pesticide contaminants are discovered, ODA Plant Health will want to continue with further testing.
Sample sites need to have outside access to the supply valve hose bib. Researchers are looking for drilled wells that do not use a water softener and are not fed by a spring.
Farmers and homeowners interested in participating should contact the Ross Soil and Water Conservation District at 740-772-4110 or through the district website www.rosscountyswcd.org.
Potential participants should contact the conservation district by Wednesday May 31’st.