The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer several Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) well water screenings in April in the North Texas area.
The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) is partnering with AgriLife Extension and TWON on these screenings. Events are also in collaboration with various AgriLife Extension offices in North Texas.
“Private water wells should be tested annually and our Well Informed screening provides that,” said John Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist.
Samples will be screened for contaminants, including total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate-nitrogen and salinity.
He said well owners submitting samples should use only sampling bags and bottles from their respective AgriLife Extension office and follow the included instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
A $10 per sample fee will be collected when bags and bottles are picked up by participants. Sampling items will be available at least a week before the turn-in dates and must be turned in by 10 a.m. on the day of the screening.
For a list of dates, times and locations for the screenings and follow-up meetings to explain results, read the full AgriLife Today article.
Smith said it is extremely important for those submitting samples to be at the follow-up meeting to receive results, learn corrective measures for identified problems and to improve understanding of private well management.
To learn more about the network’s programs, publications and resources, visit its website.
Funding for the Texas Well Owner Network is through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The project is managed by TWRI.