Merced County residents with domestic wells can get free water testing. Here’s how
More than half of the private domestic wells in unincorporated Merced County tested over the state’s safe drinking limit for at least one contaminant, the Sun-Star reported on June 29.
Most people interviewed by the Sun-Star for its story on domestic wells were not aware of the water-quality issues and said they drink water from untested wells.
Drinking contaminated water can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to poison.org. Other adverse health effects include damage to kidneys, liver, skin, and neurological, reproductive and other body systems.
Long-term exposure to some contaminants may cause cancer. The most vulnerable groups for health issues due to contamination include infants and children, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as people who are immunocompromised.
California provides free well testing through the Valley Water Collaborative, a nonprofit organization. It also provides free water delivery for those whose wells test over the limit for nitrates.
Getting your well tested is easy, fast and free, according to Maureen Thompson, executive director of the Valley Water Collaborative.
Here’s how it works:
- First, you submit an application online at valleywaterc.org.
- Then, you’ll get a call to schedule your test. Testers will need access to the well to take a water sample.
- Results come back usually within a week or two, but could take up to six weeks, Thompson said.
- You’ll get an email with the results. If you test over safe levels, you may be eligible for free water delivery.
For those without Internet access, applications can be submitted over the phone, Thompson said. The Valley Water Collaborative has Spanish speakers on staff.
Questions about the free well water testing can be submitted at valleywaterc.org/contact-us, via email at contact@valleywaterc.org or by phone at 209-750-3867.
