The Cass County Conservation District will host a free well water screening for nitrates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 and 18.

The screening is sponsored by the Cass County Conservation District and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

Samples from drinking water wells will be screened for nitrate and nitrite. The screening is open to everyone who uses a personal well for drinking water. However, the number of samples that can be tested is limited. Bring samples to the Cass Conservation District, 1127 E. State St. in Cassopolis.

This service is for private drinking water wells only. Public water supplies are tested regularly. Do not bring samples from public water supplies or non-drinking water sources. Only drinking water well samples will be tested.

Patrons do not have to use a special bottle for this screening. Any small clean jar will work, and one ounce of water is enough. Sample bottles are available from the conservation office if needed.

Please follow the directions below to sample your well. Collect samples just before getting them to the sample drop-off. Samples must be less than 48 hours old for a valid nitrate result.

1. Fill out the water Sample Information Sheet when you drop off your sample.

2. Pick a tap that supplies water that has not run through any treatment devices (water softener, carbon filter, etc.). An outdoor faucet often works well.

3. Run the water for 20-30 minutes before collecting the sample. This will give the pump time to flush the water pressure tank and plumbing so you can collect a valid sample. Disconnect any hoses before collecting the sample; do not sample through a hose. Rinse the sample bottle and lid thoroughly in the water to be sampled; then fill and cap the bottle.

4. Keep the sample dark and cold (on ice or refrigerated) until it is brought to the CD office.

All results are confidential. You will be notified of your results immediately. We will inform you about what to do if the concentration of nitrate or nitrite is high.

For more information contact the Cass County Conservation District Office at (269) 445-8641 ext. 5.